According to preseason Top 25 forecasts, Alabama Football will face seven opponents in 2025.

As Alabama football continues its tradition of excellence under head coach Nick Saban, the 2025 season promises to be another challenging yet exciting chapter in the Crimson Tide’s storied history. One of the key factors that will define Alabama’s 2025 campaign is its strength of schedule. Preseason Top 25 forecasts have already highlighted several formidable opponents that the Tide will face during the regular season, offering fans and analysts alike a glimpse into what could be a thrilling journey to the College Football Playoff (CFP).

In this article, we will break down Alabama’s 2025 opponents who are currently ranked in the preseason Top 25, offering insight into each matchup, key players to watch, and how these teams stack up against the Crimson Tide. With Alabama’s reputation as a national powerhouse, the 2025 season will likely be filled with marquee matchups and high-stakes games, making every contest crucial for their title hopes.

1. Texas Longhorns: September 6, 2025 – A Renewed Rivalry

Alabama will open its 2025 season with a highly anticipated matchup against the Texas Longhorns in what could be one of the marquee games of the year. Texas, currently ranked in the preseason Top 25, has been steadily improving under head coach Steve Sarkisian and looks poised to be a serious contender in the Big 12 and beyond. The Longhorns are loaded with talent, including a dynamic quarterback and a defense that’s been bolstered by several strong recruits.

Key Players to Watch:

• Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas): After an up-and-down freshman season, Ewers showed flashes of brilliance. By 2025, he could be one of the premier quarterbacks in the nation.
• Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas): The running back is expected to enter the 2025 season as one of the top playmakers in college football, making him a key factor in the game.

What to Expect: This game is a clash of two proud football programs with rich histories. Texas has been working to rebuild itself into a national contender, and the Longhorns will be motivated to make a statement against a top-tier team like Alabama. With both teams likely to be playoff contenders, this early-season matchup will be a critical one for both programs.

2. LSU Tigers: October 18, 2025 – SEC Showdown

The LSU Tigers will be another formidable SEC opponent for Alabama in 2025. LSU is consistently ranked in the preseason Top 25, and the rivalry between the Tigers and the Crimson Tide is one of the most heated in college football. LSU has been a thorn in Alabama’s side in recent years, especially after last season’s thrilling game in Baton Rouge.

Key Players to Watch:

• Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU): A dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and legs, Daniels will be a significant test for Alabama’s defense.
• Kayshon Boutte (WR, LSU): One of the best wide receivers in college football, Boutte is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

What to Expect: LSU has a talented roster, and with head coach Brian Kelly continuing to mold his team into a contender, this game could have major SEC West implications. Historically, these two teams have played tight, physical games, and this matchup should be no different. Alabama will need to bring its A-game to Baton Rouge if it hopes to remain in contention for the SEC Championship and the CFP.

3. Georgia Bulldogs: November 8, 2025 – SEC Championship Implications

Georgia, the reigning national champion in college football, will be another massive challenge for Alabama in 2025. The Bulldogs are currently ranked highly in preseason projections and remain one of the most talented teams in the country. Georgia’s success under head coach Kirby Smart has been well-documented, and they are always a contender in both the SEC and the College Football Playoff.

Key Players to Watch:

• Carson Beck (QB, Georgia): A talented quarterback who has the potential to lead Georgia’s offense to great heights in 2025, Beck will be crucial in Georgia’s bid for another national title.
• Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia): One of the best tight ends in college football, Bowers is a weapon that can create mismatches for Alabama’s defense.

What to Expect: Georgia vs. Alabama is a rivalry that has intensified in recent years, particularly after the 2021 National Championship game. With both teams likely to be contenders for the SEC title and the CFP, this game will have major playoff implications. Expect a hard-fought battle, with both teams’ defenses looking to assert dominance while their offenses try to exploit weaknesses. Given the talent on both sides, this matchup is sure to be one of the most anticipated of the season.

4. Auburn Tigers: November 29, 2025 – Iron Bowl Rivalry

No SEC team gets Alabama’s attention more than their in-state rival, Auburn. The Iron Bowl is always one of the most intense and unpredictable games of the season, and 2025 will be no exception. Auburn is typically ranked in the preseason Top 25, and despite their ups and downs in recent years, the Tigers always play Alabama tough, particularly in the heated atmosphere of Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Key Players to Watch:

• Jarquez Hunter (RB, Auburn): A dynamic running back, Hunter is capable of breaking big runs and keeping defenses on their heels.
• Robbie Ashford (QB, Auburn): The quarterback position will be pivotal for Auburn’s success in 2025, and Ashford’s development will be crucial for the Tigers’ offense.

What to Expect: The Iron Bowl is one of the fiercest rivalries in college football, and while Auburn has struggled to keep pace with Alabama in recent years, they have the talent to pull off an upset. This game will have major implications in the SEC standings, and Alabama must be ready for a physical, emotional battle. The game is often unpredictable, and Alabama will need to focus on execution and discipline to avoid an upset.

5. Tennessee Volunteers: October 25, 2025 – High-Scoring Showdown

Tennessee has emerged as one of the more exciting teams in the SEC under head coach Josh Heupel. The Volunteers have been climbing the ranks of college football and are currently ranked in the preseason Top 25. Their high-powered offense and explosive plays make them a dangerous opponent for Alabama.

Key Players to Watch:

• Joe Milton III (QB, Tennessee): Milton has a cannon for an arm and can stretch the field with deep passes. If he takes the next step in his development, Tennessee’s offense could be one of the best in the nation.
• Jalin Hyatt (WR, Tennessee): A big-play receiver who can make defenses pay with his speed and ability to stretch the field.

What to Expect: Tennessee’s up-tempo, high-scoring offense presents a different challenge than the physical, ground-and-pound game Alabama often faces in the SEC. The Volunteers’ offense is one of the most explosive in the country, and Alabama’s defense will need to be on point to avoid being burned by long plays. This game will feature fireworks, and Alabama will need to match Tennessee’s pace while also capitalizing on their defensive strength.

6. Ole Miss Rebels: October 4, 2025 – Lane Kiffin’s Return

Ole Miss and head coach Lane Kiffin have become a tough opponent for Alabama in recent years. Known for their high-flying offense and aggressive playcalling, Ole Miss can pose problems for the Crimson Tide’s defense. While the Rebels may not be a perennial national title contender, their ability to score points quickly has earned them a spot in the preseason Top 25.

Key Players to Watch:

• Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss): Dart has proven to be a talented quarterback who can make plays with his arm and legs, and his dual-threat ability will be key against Alabama.
• Zakhari Franklin (WR, Ole Miss): A dangerous playmaker in the receiving game, Franklin can take over a game with his athleticism and route-running.

What to Expect: Ole Miss has often played Alabama close in recent years, and their fast-paced offense will provide a unique challenge for the Crimson Tide’s defense. The key for Alabama will be to control the tempo and limit Ole Miss’ explosive plays. This game could be a shootout, and Alabama will need to execute both offensively and defensively to come out on top.

7. Florida Gators: September 20, 2025 – SEC East Contender

Florida is always a team to watch in the SEC, and with a talented roster, they are expected to be a contender in the SEC East. With the Gators back in the preseason Top 25, they will be looking to challenge Alabama in what could be a pivotal early-season matchup.

Key Players to Watch:

• Anthony Richardson (QB, Florida): Richardson’s ability to make plays with both his arm and legs makes him a dynamic quarterback and a key threat to Alabama’s defense.
• Trevor Etienne (RB, Florida): The younger brother of Travis Etienne, Trevor is an emerging star in Florida’s backfield and could be a key piece of the Gators’ offense.

What to Expect: Florida has historically been one of Alabama’s toughest tests in the SEC, and 2025 should be no different. With the Gators boasting a strong defense and a capable offense, Alabama will need to come out strong and assert control early in this game. The Gators will be hungry for a statement win, and Alabama cannot afford to take them lightly.