Where Alabama Stands in Sports Illustrated’s Too-Early College Football Top 25 for 2025
As college football fans eagerly anticipate the 2025 season, the buzz surrounding preseason rankings is already in full swing. One of the most widely discussed early rankings comes from Sports Illustrated, which recently released its “Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25” for 2025. Among the powerhouses of college football, Alabama stands at a somewhat surprising 12th place. This positioning has raised eyebrows, considering the Crimson Tide’s remarkable success over the past two decades under legendary coach Nick Saban. In this article, we will examine why Alabama is ranked where they are in these early projections, breaking down the key factors that have contributed to their current standing.
A New Era in Tuscaloosa
For the first time in many years, the Alabama football program will enter the 2025 season without the leadership of Nick Saban. After an illustrious career that saw the Crimson Tide claim six national championships, Saban announced his retirement following the 2024 season. His departure marked the end of an era, and while his legacy will forever be cemented, his exit has left a cloud of uncertainty over Alabama’s football future. The program now embarks on a new chapter with Kalen DeBoer taking the helm as the new head coach.
DeBoer, who previously gained significant success as the head coach at Washington, leading the Huskies to a 25-3 record over the past two seasons, represents a promising direction for Alabama. Still, the transition from one of the most successful coaches in college football history to a new leader always carries some level of risk and adjustment. For now, the question on everyone’s mind is how quickly DeBoer can keep Alabama in the national title conversation.
The Loss of Key Players
While coaching changes are certainly a significant factor in Alabama’s ranking, the departure of key players from the 2024 roster is another key element contributing to their lower-than-expected preseason positioning. Alabama has seen a few notable players declare for the NFL Draft, and their absence will undoubtedly leave holes in the lineup. Let’s look at some of these departures:
- Jalen Milroe (QB): Milroe’s departure leaves Alabama with a significant gap at the quarterback position. The dual-threat quarterback showed flashes of brilliance during his time at Alabama, but his decision to declare for the NFL Draft means that the Crimson Tide will enter 2025 with a new signal-caller. This is especially important as the quarterback position is often the most crucial for a team’s success. The incoming players who will compete for the role, such as Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and five-star recruit Keelon Russell, will need to prove themselves capable of leading the offense.
- Jihaad Campbell (LB): The linebacker was one of Alabama’s key defensive players in 2024. His departure to the NFL leaves a big void in the Crimson Tide’s defense. Alabama will need to develop young players to step into this crucial role.
- Tyler Booker (OG): As a cornerstone of the offensive line, Booker’s departure to the NFL creates uncertainty on a line that has been a hallmark of Alabama’s offensive success for years. The next crop of offensive linemen will need to step up and fill his shoes.
- Malachi Moore (S): The safety’s departure leaves a significant gap in the secondary. Alabama’s defense has often been its backbone, and with Moore’s exit, a new leader will need to emerge in the defensive backfield.
- Tim Smith (DT): Smith’s departure is another significant blow to the defensive line, which will need to find new contributors to help control the line of scrimmage.
These departures, while unfortunate, open opportunities for younger players to step in and prove themselves. The challenge for Alabama will be ensuring these new faces can step up to maintain the high level of play that the program has come to expect.
The New Additions
While Alabama has lost several key players, the Crimson Tide have also brought in some exciting new faces that will play a role in their future success. Coach Kalen DeBoer has managed to assemble a solid group of transfers that should help fill the gaps left by departing players. Here are some of the most notable additions to the 2025 squad:
- Austin Mack (QB, transfer from Washington): With the quarterback position up for grabs, Austin Mack’s transfer from Washington could be a game-changer for Alabama. Known for his leadership and ability to run an offense efficiently, Mack could bring stability to the Crimson Tide’s offense.
- Germie Bernard (WR, transfer from Washington): As Alabama looks to maintain its explosiveness in the passing game, the addition of wide receiver Germie Bernard provides a boost to an already talented receiving corps. Bernard, who impressed at Washington, is a dynamic playmaker that will give Alabama’s new quarterback a reliable weapon.
- Parker Brailsford (OL, transfer from Washington): The offensive line is one area that will need to be revamped, and the addition of Brailsford adds depth and experience to a unit that is crucial for Alabama’s offensive success. As a transfer from Washington, Brailsford should be able to step in and contribute immediately.
- LT Overton (DL, transfer from Texas A&M): With the departure of Tim Smith, Alabama’s defensive line was in need of reinforcements. LT Overton, a standout defensive lineman from Texas A&M, provides Alabama with a much-needed presence up front. His ability to pressure the quarterback and control the line of scrimmage will be vital to the Crimson Tide’s defensive success.
- Domani Jackson (CB, transfer from USC): Alabama’s secondary was hit hard by the loss of Malachi Moore, but the addition of Domani Jackson from USC gives them a promising cornerback who can lock down receivers and provide stability to the defensive backfield.
These transfers, along with the development of younger players, will be crucial in determining how quickly Alabama can return to its championship-contending form.
Offensive Outlook for 2025
The 2025 season will see Alabama’s offense undergo significant changes. The most immediate challenge is the quarterback position. Jalen Milroe’s departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. Ty Simpson, who saw limited action in 2024, will likely compete with Austin Mack and five-star recruit Keelon Russell for the starting role. Simpson has shown promise, but it remains to be seen if he can take on the leadership role that Alabama demands from its quarterbacks.
The receiving corps, led by Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard, should continue to be one of Alabama’s strengths. Williams, who had a breakout year in 2024, will be expected to become one of the top wide receivers in the country. Bernard adds another layer of depth and explosiveness to the unit.
The offensive line, with the departure of Tyler Booker, is another area of concern. However, the addition of Parker Brailsford should help stabilize the unit. Alabama will need strong performances from returning starters and incoming transfers to ensure the offensive line provides solid protection for the quarterback and opens up running lanes for the backfield.
Defensive Outlook for 2025
On defense, Alabama will need to replace key players like Jihaad Campbell and Malachi Moore. However, the Crimson Tide remain strong on that side of the ball, particularly with the additions of LT Overton and Domani Jackson. The defensive line, led by Overton, should remain one of the team’s strongest units, and the secondary, with Jackson’s addition, has the potential to be dominant.
Alabama’s defense has always been known for its ability to dominate the line of scrimmage and shut down opposing offenses, and despite the departures, the Tide should still be formidable in 2025.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Alabama
While Alabama’s position at No. 12 in Sports Illustrated‘s Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 may be surprising to some, it is a reflection of the significant changes the program is undergoing. The loss of Nick Saban, combined with key player departures, has placed the Crimson Tide in a transitional phase. However, the program’s commitment to excellence, strong recruiting, and the addition of talented transfers offer hope for the future.
The 2025 season will be one of adjustments, as Kalen DeBoer leads Alabama into a new era. While there are undoubtedly challenges ahead, the Crimson Tide’s ability to reload rather than rebuild will likely keep them in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff. It may take some time for everything to click, but Alabama’s rich tradition and commitment to success ensure that they will remain a team to watch as the 2025 season unfolds.