There are many factors that could contribute to why Alabama may not deserve to start the 2025 season as a top-10 team. While the Alabama Crimson Tide has been historically dominant under head coach Nick Saban, the program is currently experiencing some challenges that should affect its ranking heading into the new season. This opinion isn’t rooted in a desire to downplay Alabama’s overall success or to ignore its legacy but rather stems from a closer examination of the current state of the program, the evolution of college football, and the competitive landscape that will shape the 2025 season.
1. Inconsistent Play at Quarterback
Quarterback play is arguably the most critical factor in any college football team’s success. Over the years, Alabama has been able to reload at the quarterback position, with stars like Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, and Mac Jones. However, in recent years, the team has struggled to find that consistent, game-changing quarterback. In 2024, Jalen Milroe was a highly touted prospect but showed significant inconsistencies. His development, along with the rest of the quarterback room, will be pivotal for Alabama in 2025. If Alabama enters the season with a quarterback who hasn’t proven he can lead the offense with consistency, it would be difficult for them to justify a top-10 ranking right out of the gate.
Additionally, with quarterback play now more important than ever in college football, it’s worth considering whether Alabama can continue to recruit and develop at this position to the level they once did. If other programs have the upper hand at quarterback, it would hinder Alabama’s ability to compete at the highest level, which is a major consideration in rankings.
2. Recent Recruiting Decline
Alabama has long been considered one of the top recruiting programs in the nation. Nick Saban has built a recruiting machine, bringing in blue-chip talent year after year. However, in recent cycles, Alabama’s recruiting classes have faced stiffer competition from programs like Georgia, Ohio State, and even schools like Texas and LSU. The 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes could be a telling sign of whether Alabama is truly able to maintain its elite status in this area.
Alabama’s recruiting class ranking has dipped slightly in recent years, particularly compared to its direct rivals. While they still boast highly ranked classes, they are no longer in a class of their own when it comes to talent acquisition. If Alabama struggles to compete for top-tier recruits at every position, it could impact the depth and overall talent on the roster, leading to a more difficult time securing wins in a competitive SEC environment.
3. Lack of Offensive Identity
Another concern with Alabama’s program in recent years has been its lack of a clear, consistent offensive identity. Under Nick Saban, Alabama was known for being a power-running team with a dominant defense, but this formula began to shift with the introduction of dynamic passing games under the leadership of Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones. Since then, however, Alabama has struggled to develop a cohesive offensive system, with inconsistencies at quarterback and a revolving door of offensive coordinators.
In 2024, the offense showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency, and without a clear identity moving into 2025, it’s hard to see how Alabama would automatically be able to enter the season as a top-10 team. Teams that have a defined offensive system, like Georgia with its balanced approach or Ohio State with its explosive passing game, could be more successful than a team like Alabama, which is still searching for that identity.
4. Weaknesses in the Secondary and Defense
While Alabama’s defense has historically been one of the strongest units in college football, they have had lapses in recent seasons, particularly in the secondary. In 2024, the Crimson Tide struggled at times with pass coverage and big plays, and those weaknesses were exposed against some of the best teams in the nation.
With the SEC becoming more and more pass-heavy, with teams like LSU and Tennessee producing high-powered offenses, Alabama’s defense will need to adjust quickly. While the Tide’s front seven remains a strength, their inability to shut down the passing game could be problematic for a team that aspires to be a top-10 program. In 2025, Alabama will need to make significant strides in its secondary and defensive play to be competitive in the league.
5. Competition in the SEC
The SEC remains the toughest conference in college football, and the competition for a top-10 spot will be incredibly fierce in 2025. Programs like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee have made huge strides and look poised to be dominant forces in the coming seasons. Alabama may no longer have the top-to-bottom talent advantage over all SEC teams. Georgia, in particular, is setting the standard, with back-to-back national championships and a well-oiled program that is continuing to recruit at a high level.
The Crimson Tide may be entering a period of transition as they try to recapture their place at the top of the SEC. In a conference with so many elite teams, it’s not guaranteed that Alabama will be able to break through, even with its historical dominance. If Alabama can’t consistently beat the top teams in their own conference, it’s difficult to justify a top-10 ranking.
6. Transition Period
College football is currently undergoing a major shift with the introduction of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff in 2024. This change means that every conference is likely to have more competition at the top, with more teams vying for playoff spots. If Alabama enters 2025 in the midst of a transition period—whether it’s figuring out quarterback play, adjusting to a new offensive scheme, or developing defensive talent—they may find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff conversation.
Teams like Georgia, Ohio State, and others may have a clearer path to playoff contention and could hold a stronger claim to a top-10 ranking. If Alabama’s struggles persist, they could be in danger of falling out of the top-tier programs, at least for a time.
Conclusion
While Alabama remains one of the most storied programs in college football history, it’s important to evaluate where they stand in the current landscape. With questions at quarterback, a lack of a defined offensive identity, recruiting challenges, and weaknesses in defense, the Crimson Tide may not have earned the right to start the 2025 season as a top-10 team. The shift in college football’s power dynamics and Alabama’s recent struggles suggest that they will need to prove themselves on the field before being considered a top contender for national titles. In a competitive and ever-changing sport, Alabama’s position at the top is not as assured as it once was.