Experts Tab Alabama Football as a Return to the Playoffs Team, Along with an Old Foe

The college football landscape is always in a state of flux, but certain programs have consistently remained at the top of the sport. Alabama football, under head coach Nick Saban, is one of those programs. For over a decade, Alabama has been a perennial powerhouse, competing for national titles year after year and producing a conveyor belt of NFL-caliber talent. As the 2025 season approaches, experts are once again predicting that Alabama will not only be one of the top teams in the country but also a prime contender to return to the College Football Playoff (CFP).

In the world of college football, preseason predictions are part of the annual ritual. Analysts, coaches, and players all give their opinions on who will rise and who will fall in the coming season. But when experts tab Alabama as a potential College Football Playoff team, it’s not exactly breaking news. After all, the Tide have been to the CFP on multiple occasions under Saban, including their national title-winning run in 2020. However, this year’s edition of Alabama football carries a bit more intrigue and uncertainty than in years past. The program is coming off a season that, while still strong by most teams’ standards, was a step back in terms of the program’s usual lofty expectations.

Alongside Alabama, another old foe is being heavily favored by experts to make a return to the Playoff: the Ohio State Buckeyes. The rivalry between Alabama and Ohio State is one of the most iconic in college football, marked by high-stakes matchups and legendary players on both sides. With both teams appearing poised for big seasons in 2025, experts are already looking ahead to a potential postseason showdown that could rival any of the great games of the past.

In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons why experts are confident in Alabama’s return to the CFP, the keys to their success, the challenges they face, and how they stack up against Ohio State and other Playoff hopefuls in the upcoming season.

Alabama Football’s Path to the Playoffs

Alabama’s program is built on the foundation of a dominant defense, strong offensive lines, and a highly efficient running game. These principles have allowed the Crimson Tide to remain competitive year after year, even through changes in the quarterback position and departures of star players. Heading into the 2025 season, experts are particularly optimistic about Alabama’s chances due to several factors.

1. Stellar Recruiting Classes and Depth

One of the biggest reasons Alabama is viewed as a playoff contender is their ability to reload rather than rebuild. The Crimson Tide’s recruiting classes under Nick Saban have been consistently ranked among the best in the country, and that trend has continued in recent years. With a deep roster of talent, Alabama’s program is in a position to withstand injuries and attrition while remaining competitive.

In particular, the offensive line, wide receiver corps, and defensive front seven are areas where Alabama’s recruiting has provided a massive advantage. These positions are critical to competing for championships, and Alabama’s ability to maintain a high level of talent in these areas is crucial for the team’s Playoff hopes.

In addition to depth, Alabama has some key standout players who have the potential to turn games in their favor. On the offensive side, the Crimson Tide has one of the top running backs in the country, Jase McClellan, who has the ability to take over games with his speed and vision. McClellan, along with the returning offensive line, is poised to dominate in the run game, which will open up opportunities in the passing game.

On the defensive side of the ball, Alabama is stacked with talent in the secondary and at linebacker. Dallas Turner and Will Anderson Jr., two standout pass rushers, will be among the top defensive players in the country, and they’ll be tasked with disrupting opposing quarterbacks and setting the tone for Alabama’s defense.

2. Coaching Stability Under Nick Saban

While every team faces challenges during the course of a season, few have the luxury of a stable and successful coaching staff like Alabama. Nick Saban, entering his 19th year as head coach of the Crimson Tide, has seen it all. His experience and ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football make him one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport. While Alabama has gone through changes at key positions, including quarterback and coordinator, Saban’s steady leadership has been a constant.

Saban’s ability to develop talent, adjust to new trends, and get the best out of his players is one of the primary reasons for the Crimson Tide’s continued success. With veteran coaching leaders in place and the ability to recruit elite talent, Alabama has a proven formula for competing at the highest level. Experts point to Saban’s pedigree and his ability to navigate the rigors of a championship run as key factors in Alabama’s odds of returning to the Playoffs in 2025.

3. Quarterback Play: A Critical Factor

One of the biggest questions for Alabama heading into the 2025 season is the play at quarterback. With Bryce Young now in the NFL, Alabama will need to find a new signal-caller to lead the offense. The quarterback competition has been a key storyline during Alabama’s spring practice, with Tyler Buchner, Jalen Milroe, and Ty Simpson all competing for the starting job.

While it’s still early, experts feel that Alabama’s quarterback play will be good enough to guide the team back to the Playoff. Whether it’s Milroe’s dual-threat ability, Buchner’s experience, or Simpson’s potential as a future star, each of these quarterbacks brings something different to the table. If any of them can step into the role and execute the offense at a high level, Alabama has the supporting cast around them to be successful.

Historically, Alabama’s success has been built on a strong running game, solid defense, and efficient quarterback play. While Saban has never relied on a Heisman-caliber quarterback to win championships, the need for steady and effective play at the position remains crucial. If the Crimson Tide can get solid quarterback play in 2025, experts are confident that they will have all the pieces necessary to return to the Playoffs.

4. Challenging Yet Navigable SEC Schedule

Alabama’s path to the College Football Playoff will, as always, be determined by the rigors of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With SEC powerhouses like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee all competing for playoff spots, Alabama will have to navigate a challenging conference slate. However, with games against these programs typically at home or in neutral-site environments, Alabama’s schedule provides a balanced mix of difficult tests and winnable matchups.

Alabama’s annual showdown with Georgia will be particularly important. The Bulldogs have been one of Alabama’s biggest rivals in recent years, and their SEC Championship showdown in December could have major Playoff implications. A victory in that game would not only secure Alabama’s position in the Playoffs but could also send a message that they are still the team to beat in the SEC.

Road games against LSU, Mississippi State, and Texas A&M will also present challenges. But, considering Alabama’s depth and coaching, experts are confident that the Crimson Tide will rise to the occasion and emerge with the necessary wins to secure a spot in the Playoffs.

An Old Foe: Ohio State’s Path to the Playoffs

While Alabama is widely considered a strong contender to return to the Playoffs, they will not have an easy road. One of the biggest challenges will come from the Ohio State Buckeyes, another college football juggernaut with a storied history in the CFP.

Ohio State is a team that has always had a strong recruiting class and one of the best offenses in the nation. Heading into the 2025 season, the Buckeyes are looking to bounce back after a near-miss in 2024, where they fell short in their bid for the national title. Experts believe Ohio State’s offense, led by quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, will once again be one of the most potent units in the country. Ohio State’s offensive line, combined with an elite running back corps, will give the Buckeyes the tools necessary to compete for a Playoff spot.

While Ohio State’s defense has had its ups and downs in recent years, there is optimism that under the leadership of Jim Knowles, they will be able to improve and give the team a more balanced attack. If Ohio State can shore up its defense and continue to dominate on offense, experts believe the Buckeyes will be in contention for the Playoffs once again.

The Potential for a Playoff Showdown

As the 2025 College Football Playoff approaches, experts are already envisioning a possible matchup between Alabama and Ohio State—two of the most successful and decorated programs in the sport. The two teams have a history of meeting in big-time games, including a memorable 2015 Sugar Bowl and a highly anticipated showdown in the 2020 National Championship Game.

Both teams have the talent, coaching, and infrastructure to make it to the Playoffs, and the stage is set for another high-stakes encounter between these two powerhouses. The 2025 season could bring us yet another chapter in this historic rivalry, one that would capture the attention of college football fans around the country.

A Return to Glory for Alabama?

With the combination of elite talent, strong leadership, and the proven track record of Nick Saban, experts are confident that Alabama will make a return to the College Football Playoff in 2025. The road to the Playoff won’t be easy, but with a balanced team that includes a potent offense, a dynamic defense, and several key playmakers, Alabama is well-positioned to make a deep run.

Alongside Alabama, Ohio State will also be a major contender for a Playoff spot. The potential for a showdown between these two programs is one that fans and experts alike are eagerly anticipating. With both teams eyeing a return to the top of the college football world, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and competitive in recent memory.