Where Alabama Places in the Too-Early College Football Top 25 by Sports Illustrated
With the close of each college football season, fans, analysts, and media outlets eagerly begin speculating on what the next year will bring. The release of “too early” rankings, such as Sports Illustrated’s College Football Top 25, serves as an early look at the teams expected to contend for a national title in the upcoming season. For a program like Alabama, which has long been a national powerhouse under head coach Nick Saban, these rankings hold special significance.
Alabama has consistently been in the mix for the top spot, thanks to its elite recruiting classes, strong player development, and the steady hand of Saban at the helm. But as we approach the 2025 season, the Crimson Tide finds itself in a slightly different position compared to years past. While still expected to be a contender, Alabama’s place in the rankings, as outlined in Sports Illustrated’s Too-Early College Football Top 25, offers an interesting perspective on the state of the program and what the upcoming season could look like.
In this 1500-word feature, we will break down Alabama’s position in Sports Illustrated’s Too-Early College Football Top 25, evaluate the key factors that will influence their success in 2025, and assess how the Crimson Tide stacks up against their competition in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive college football landscape.
Alabama’s Ranking in the Too-Early Top 25:
In Sports Illustrated’s Too-Early College Football Top 25 rankings for 2025, Alabama is placed at No. 4. While still one of the top programs in the nation, Alabama’s ranking reflects a few important shifts that have taken place over the past few seasons. For the first time in nearly a decade, the Crimson Tide isn’t at the top of the rankings, signaling a potential change in the college football landscape. The teams ranked ahead of them in the Top 3—Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State—are expected to have strong rosters and championship aspirations of their own, setting up a fierce race for the College Football Playoff.
Despite their slightly lower-than-usual ranking, Alabama remains a national contender and one of the most dangerous teams in the country. The fact that they continue to be ranked in the top five, year in and year out, speaks volumes about the program’s sustained excellence under Nick Saban. However, as we will explore, Alabama’s path to success in 2025 is going to require a few key elements to come together in order to return to its previous dominance.
Key Factors Influencing Alabama’s 2025 Season:
1. Quarterback Play: The $64 Million Question
At the heart of Alabama’s potential for success in 2025 will be the performance of their quarterback. The Crimson Tide has had its share of elite quarterbacks over the years, with stars like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young leading the charge. But in recent years, the team has struggled to find a consistent quarterback who can elevate the offense to the level of those previous stars.
In 2025, Alabama is expected to have a quarterback competition between rising stars and incoming recruits, with names like Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson being the frontrunners. Both quarterbacks have shown flashes of potential, but neither has yet proven they can take the team to the promised land. Milroe has the physical tools—he’s big, strong, and athletic—but he still needs to refine his passing accuracy and decision-making. Simpson, on the other hand, has a more polished passing game, but his ability to thrive under pressure is yet to be tested at a high level.
With the uncertainty at quarterback, Alabama’s offense will have to rely on developing a signal-caller who can lead the team effectively and provide the spark needed to compete with the best. If they find their quarterback of the future in 2025, Alabama could quickly rise back to the top of the rankings.
2. The Offensive Line: A Critical Area of Improvement
One area where Alabama has seen some vulnerability in recent seasons has been the offensive line. Known for producing dominant offensive lines year after year, Alabama has faced challenges in this department over the past few seasons. While the talent is undoubtedly there, the offensive line has struggled with consistency, particularly in pass protection and run blocking.
In 2025, the offensive line is expected to be a focal point of Nick Saban’s efforts. The Crimson Tide have some key returning players, such as J.C. Latham at tackle, who is considered one of the top offensive linemen in the country, and several high-profile recruits who will have a chance to contribute immediately. If Alabama can shore up its offensive line, it will provide the foundation for their offense to thrive. Strong offensive line play will not only help protect the quarterback but also open up lanes for a talented running back group, including Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, who could have breakout seasons.
3. Defensive Dominance: The Return to Elite Status
One area where Alabama has remained consistently strong is its defense. Under defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, Alabama’s defense is expected to be elite once again in 2025. The Crimson Tide have an incredibly talented roster on that side of the ball, including standout players like Dallas Turner (edge rusher) and Kool-Aid McKinstry (cornerback). These players are capable of dominating their positions and will be crucial to Alabama’s hopes of competing for a national championship.
Alabama’s defensive line will likely be one of the best in the nation, with elite depth and pass-rush ability. The secondary, led by McKinstry, has the potential to be one of the most formidable in college football, with athletes capable of shutting down opposing receivers and creating turnovers. The linebackers, which include Deontae Lawson, are also expected to be a strength, with a balanced mix of speed and power to cover all aspects of the game.
If Alabama’s defense can play at an elite level, it will help to keep the team in games, even if the offense is still finding its rhythm. As we’ve seen in past seasons, a dominant defense is often the difference-maker for Alabama in their quest for a national title.
4. Coaching Stability and Nick Saban’s Leadership
Nick Saban’s leadership has been one of the cornerstones of Alabama’s sustained success over the past two decades. With his unmatched ability to develop talent, adjust strategies, and win big games, Saban remains one of the most respected figures in college football. While there has been some debate in recent years about whether Saban’s dominance has waned slightly, the reality is that Saban’s ability to adapt and evolve has kept Alabama at the top level.
In 2025, Saban will be entering his 19th season at Alabama, and it’s clear that he is not slowing down. His ability to motivate his players, maintain a winning culture, and adjust to the changing dynamics of college football will be a key factor in Alabama’s success. Whether it’s through recruiting, game planning, or managing the team throughout the season, Saban’s influence will continue to be a critical element of Alabama’s pursuit of another national championship.
5. Recruiting and Depth: Sustaining Success
One of the reasons Alabama has remained such a dominant force in college football is its ability to recruit at an elite level. The Crimson Tide consistently land top-tier recruits who can contribute immediately, and 2025 is no exception. The team has brought in another stellar recruiting class, including several five-star athletes who will be expected to make an impact.
This level of recruiting ensures that Alabama’s depth will remain a strength. Injuries are inevitable in college football, and having a deep roster allows the team to weather any storms. Whether it’s at quarterback, running back, or on defense, Alabama will have a deep bench of talent ready to step up when needed. The development of younger players, particularly those in the sophomore and freshman classes, will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s overall performance in 2025.
Alabama’s Competitors in the 2025 Season:
While Alabama remains a top contender, the Crimson Tide are far from the only team with championship aspirations in 2025. Teams like Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State are also ranked in the Top 3 of Sports Illustrated’s Too-Early College Football Top 25, and each of these programs has its own set of strengths.
Georgia, coming off a national championship victory, is expected to have another dominant team in 2025. With head coach Kirby Smart at the helm and a strong roster that includes several returning key players, Georgia will be one of Alabama’s fiercest competitors.
Michigan, under head coach Jim Harbaugh, is also poised for a strong season. After back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, Michigan is trending upward, and their offensive and defensive lines are expected to be elite.
Ohio State, led by Ryan Day, has always been a force in the Big Ten and nationally. With a talented quarterback room and a strong recruiting class, Ohio State remains one of the teams to beat in 2025.
Alabama will have its hands full competing against these top-tier programs, but with the talent and leadership they have in place, they are more than capable of contending for another national title.
Alabama’s Path to the Top in 2025
While Alabama may not be ranked No. 1 in the Too-Early College Football Top 25 by Sports Illustrated, the Crimson Tide remains a major contender in 2025. With questions at quarterback and offensive line, Alabama will need to address those concerns to fully reach its potential. However, with an elite defense, an experienced coaching staff, and one of the best recruiting programs in the country, Alabama has the tools necessary to make a championship run.
The 2025 season will be a test of how well Alabama can reload and adapt to the changing college football landscape. With Nick Saban at the helm, there is little doubt that the Crimson Tide will continue to be a force to be reckoned with. As the season progresses, the Crimson Tide will look to answer their questions and prove that their story is far from over.
