As the 2025 college football season quickly approaches, ESPN has released its post-spring early Top 25 rankings, giving fans a glimpse into which teams are poised to make noise on the national stage. Among the most intriguing teams on this list is the University of Alabama, which finds itself in familiar territory near the top. Ranked No. 3 in the latest edition of ESPN’s preseason rankings, Alabama enters the 2025 season with a renewed sense of urgency and optimism, despite the challenges faced during the spring.
The Crimson Tide have long been a fixture in the upper echelons of college football, and after a relatively quiet 2024 season by their lofty standards, Alabama is focused on returning to national championship contention. With an all-encompassing look at their spring performance, personnel changes, and the program’s ability to reload after a fluctuating 2024 campaign, ESPN’s early Top 25 ranking reflects a program ready to challenge for the title.
One of the key storylines heading into Alabama’s 2025 season is the continued development of their quarterback position. Jalen Milroe, who has been the team’s starter for the past two seasons, is firmly entrenched as the leader of the offense. Milroe has demonstrated flashes of brilliance throughout his career, and with another year of experience under his belt, many believe he is poised to have a breakout season. His ability to make plays both with his arm and legs will be critical to Alabama’s success in 2025, especially given the turnover in offensive skill players.
The Crimson Tide’s spring practices showcased Milroe’s progression in the passing game, a critical area where he needed to show growth. His deep ball accuracy and consistency as a pocket passer were major points of emphasis throughout the spring. While Milroe has always been known for his ability to stretch the field with his legs, head coach Nick Saban has been working with him to improve his ability to read defenses and get the ball out quickly. Milroe’s chemistry with his receivers, especially with the talented returning core, is expected to elevate the offense, and his ability to carry the team when necessary will be one of the defining factors of Alabama’s 2025 campaign.
In addition to Milroe’s development, Alabama’s receiving corps presents a dynamic and dangerous group of pass-catchers who could propel the offense to new heights. The combination of returning talent and new faces has given the Crimson Tide one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in college football. Jermaine Burton, who was a major contributor in 2024, will be a key piece once again in 2025. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches provides Milroe with a reliable target. Alongside Burton, Alabama boasts emerging stars like Isaiah Bond, who has the potential to be one of the most explosive wide receivers in the SEC this season. The addition of a few highly touted freshmen, including the speedy 5-star recruit DJ Dingle, adds another layer of unpredictability to the offense.
While the offense is certainly receiving a lot of attention, it is the defense that has been the backbone of Alabama football for the past decade. Even with some turnover, the Crimson Tide defense remains one of the most formidable units in the country. Under defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, Alabama is expected to reload rather than rebuild. The front seven, which was a major strength in 2024, will continue to be a force, anchored by linebacker Dallas Turner. Turner, who has shown the ability to dominate both as a pass rusher and in coverage, is poised for a massive 2025 season. He will be joined by standout defensive linemen like Jaheim Oatis, who has impressed throughout the spring and figures to be a critical part of Alabama’s defensive front. The Crimson Tide have also stocked up on talent in their secondary, with promising players such as Kool-Aid McKinstry and Malachi Moore returning to provide stability in the back end.
The spring also revealed the impressive depth on the Alabama defense. While the defense has always been known for its relentless pressure and ability to shut down opposing offenses, the 2025 squad has the potential to be even more opportunistic. The addition of several young playmakers will allow Alabama to rotate fresh bodies in and out, keeping their defense fresh throughout the course of a grueling SEC schedule. The defense, with its relentless pass rush and opportunistic secondary, is expected to be among the best in the nation, once again establishing Alabama as a title contender.
Despite all the returning talent, Alabama is not without its concerns. The Crimson Tide lost a significant amount of talent to the NFL Draft, including several key players on both sides of the ball. The departures of players like running back Jahmyr Gibbs and offensive tackle J.C. Latham leave voids that need to be filled. However, as always, Alabama has recruited well, and there is an abundance of talent waiting to step up. The running back room, while losing a player of Gibbs’ caliber, remains stocked with highly ranked recruits, including promising young players like Justice Haynes and Richard Young. Both players have shown the ability to handle the workload in spring practices, and their combination of power and speed will help fill the void left by Gibbs.
The offensive line, while losing Latham, is in capable hands with a number of returning starters. Alabama has long prided itself on its ability to develop dominant offensive lines, and with experienced players like Seth McLaughlin and Evan Neal returning, the Crimson Tide will remain formidable up front. The offensive line will be tasked with providing Milroe the time and space to make plays and establishing a consistent running game that can keep opposing defenses on their heels.
Another area that will need attention is Alabama’s special teams. While the Crimson Tide have had their share of success in the kicking game in recent years, the loss of some key contributors will require new faces to step up. The kicking game, in particular, will be a focal point for Alabama as they seek to find consistency in both field goals and punts. The battle for the starting kicker position remains ongoing, with several talented players vying for the spot. How well Alabama can solidify their special teams will play a major role in determining the success of the 2025 season.
Looking ahead to the 2025 schedule, Alabama has a tough road ahead, particularly in the SEC. As usual, their conference slate will be challenging, with high-stakes games against rivals like LSU, Tennessee, and Auburn. The SEC West, in particular, is loaded with talent, and every game is expected to be a battle. However, Alabama’s combination of coaching, talent, and experience positions them as a top contender for both the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff. Saban’s ability to maximize his team’s potential, especially during the toughest stretches of the season, will be critical in navigating the challenging path ahead.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a defining year for Alabama. With a blend of experienced veterans and young, hungry talent, the Crimson Tide have the makings of a championship-caliber team. The key will be maintaining consistency on both sides of the ball and handling the pressure that comes with the expectations of being a top-ranked team. As always, Alabama will be a team to watch closely as the 2025 season unfolds, and it’s clear that ESPN’s early Top 25 ranking is just the beginning of what could be another unforgettable season in Tuscaloosa. With a championship pedigree and a roster stacked with talent, Alabama has everything it needs to reclaim its place atop the college football world.