Alabama Crimson Tide: A Deep Dive into Their 2025 Position in Sports Illustrated’s Too-Early College Football Top 25
The Alabama Crimson Tide have long been a powerhouse in college football, and as we look ahead to the 2025 season, they are once again positioned as one of the top programs in the nation. According to Sports Illustrated’s 2025 “Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25,” Alabama is ranked 8th—an impressive spot, but one that may feel underwhelming considering the high expectations surrounding the program. Despite their rich history, Alabama faces a number of challenges heading into 2025, including replacing key players and navigating a period of transition under the leadership of Nick Saban, who continues to adjust to an ever-evolving landscape in college football.
Alabama’s Recent Success and Challenges
Before diving into the specifics of the 2025 season, it’s crucial to look at the team’s performance over the past few years. Alabama, despite some ups and downs, remains one of the most consistent programs in the country. However, the 2024 season was a bit of a rollercoaster for the Tide. Alabama finished with a 9-4 record, and although they won some high-profile games, their season was marked by an uncharacteristic number of losses, particularly within the SEC.
In 2024, Alabama’s offense and defense both faced significant challenges. On offense, Alabama dealt with a revolving door at the quarterback position. Jalen Milroe, the starting QB, was inconsistent, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether the Tide could return to their usual dominance. Milroe did show flashes of brilliance, but his performance wasn’t enough to propel Alabama to the heights they’ve been accustomed to. The offensive line struggled at times, and the team had difficulty finding balance between the passing and running games. Despite the challenges, there were some bright spots. Running back Jam Miller emerged as one of the team’s primary offensive weapons, and wide receivers like Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard showed promise for the future.
On defense, Alabama’s usual strength, the team experienced its fair share of growing pains. The departure of standout players like linebacker Jihaad Campbell and defensive tackle Tim Smith created gaps that would need to be filled. The defensive line and linebacker corps were inconsistent, and while there were flashes of brilliance from players like linebacker Justin Jefferson and cornerback Zabien Brown, the defense wasn’t as dominant as it had been in previous years. Alabama’s defense is still regarded as one of the most talented in college football, but it was evident that some key pieces would need to step up in 2025.
Looking ahead, Alabama will face several challenges in the 2025 season. They need to replace several key players who contributed significantly to their 2024 roster, and the Tide’s ability to do so will determine their fate in the upcoming season. Additionally, Alabama’s recruiting class, while always highly rated, will need to make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball.
Key Players to Watch in 2025
Alabama’s 2025 roster will be filled with talent, but some key players will need to take on larger roles. Below are some of the standout players who are expected to carry the team through the 2025 season:
1. Jam Miller (RB)
Jam Miller is poised to be one of the most exciting players in college football in 2025. After a strong 2024 campaign, Miller has solidified his position as Alabama’s primary running back. With his combination of speed, power, and vision, Miller has the potential to be a game-changer for the Tide’s offense. He will be relied upon to carry much of the offensive load in 2025, especially given the uncertainty at quarterback.
2. Ryan Williams (WR)
Ryan Williams is another player who is expected to take a major leap in 2025. The talented wide receiver showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman, and his development could be key to Alabama’s success in the upcoming season. Williams has the speed and agility to make big plays down the field, and he will likely become the focal point of the Tide’s passing attack.
3. Germie Bernard (WR)
Germie Bernard is another young receiver who has the potential to emerge as a star in 2025. With the departure of some key receivers from the 2024 squad, Bernard will be counted on to step up and provide a reliable target for Alabama’s new quarterback. He’s expected to form a dynamic duo with Ryan Williams and create one of the most dangerous wide receiver tandems in the SEC.
4. Kadyn Proctor (OT)
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama’s offensive tackle, will play a crucial role in the success of the Tide’s offense. As the cornerstone of the offensive line, Proctor’s performance will be integral to the protection of the quarterback and the running game. Proctor is a highly touted prospect who could be a first-round NFL draft pick, and his presence on the line will help shape the success of Alabama’s offense.
5. Justin Jefferson (LB)
Defensively, linebacker Justin Jefferson is expected to be one of the team’s top leaders. With the departure of several key defensive players, Jefferson will be tasked with anchoring the Tide’s defense. His athleticism and football IQ will be critical in keeping Alabama’s defense among the top units in the nation.
6. Zabien Brown (CB)
Zabien Brown has the potential to be one of the best cornerbacks in college football in 2025. His ability to lock down wide receivers will be crucial in Alabama’s efforts to slow down high-powered offenses in the SEC. Brown’s development will be vital in maintaining Alabama’s strong defensive identity.
Areas of Concern for Alabama in 2025
While Alabama will boast plenty of talent in 2025, there are several areas of concern that could hinder the team’s ability to compete for a national championship. The following areas will need to be addressed:
1. Quarterback Play
Perhaps the biggest question mark for Alabama in 2025 is the quarterback position. Jalen Milroe’s departure leaves the Tide with uncertainty at the most important position on the field. It’s unclear whether Alabama will turn to a highly touted recruit or a transfer portal addition to fill the void. Regardless of who starts, the quarterback will need to provide stability and consistency, something that was lacking in 2024. Alabama has the talent around the quarterback, but without strong play at the position, the Tide could struggle.
2. Offensive Line Development
The offensive line has been a strong suit for Alabama in recent years, but the unit will need to continue its development in 2025. With Kadyn Proctor anchoring the line, the group has the potential to be dominant. However, the team will need to fill gaps left by players who graduated or left early for the NFL. If the offensive line can provide solid protection for the quarterback and create lanes for the running game, Alabama’s offense will be much more effective.
3. Defensive Depth
While Alabama’s defense is generally considered one of the most talented in the country, the team’s depth will be tested in 2025. With several key players departing, the Tide will need younger players to step up and contribute immediately. Players like Justin Jefferson and Zabien Brown will need to lead the way, but the defense will also rely on younger, less experienced players to fill in the gaps.
4. Special Teams
Special teams is often an overlooked aspect of college football, but it could play a crucial role in Alabama’s success in 2025. The Tide will need to ensure that their special teams units are solid, from field goal kicking to punt coverage. A breakdown in special teams could be the difference in close games, and Alabama’s ability to avoid mistakes in this area will be important.
Alabama’s Recruiting Class and the Future
One of the biggest advantages Alabama has over most other programs is its ability to consistently bring in elite recruiting classes. The 2025 recruiting class is expected to be one of the best in the nation, and several of the players coming in will have an immediate impact on the team. This includes highly touted recruits at both the offensive and defensive positions, who could provide the depth and talent necessary for Alabama to compete for a national title in the coming years.
While the focus is on the 2025 season, Alabama’s future looks bright as well. Head coach Nick Saban has built a program that remains among the most elite in college football, and as long as he is at the helm, Alabama will continue to be a force to be reckoned with.
SEC Competition
Alabama will face stiff competition in the SEC in 2025. Teams like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee are expected to field strong squads, and Alabama will have to navigate a brutal conference schedule. The SEC is widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football, and Alabama’s path to the College Football Playoff will not be easy. However, if the Crimson Tide can overcome these challenges, they will have a strong chance of making it back to the national spotlight.
Conclusion
While Alabama’s placement at No. 8 in Sports Illustrated’s 2025 Too-Early College Football Top 25 may seem low compared to their usual rankings, it is a reflection of the challenges the team faces heading into the new season. With a new quarterback, a developing offensive line, and the need to fill gaps on defense, Alabama has its work cut out for it. However, the program’s talent, leadership, and culture give them a strong foundation to build on. If the Tide can address their key concerns and make the necessary adjustments, they could very well be in contention for another national title come January 2026.