Alabama Football Enters 2025 Season Ranked Number Eight in Preseason AP Top 25 With Fans Hungry for Another Championship Run
The Associated Press has spoken, and for the 2025 college football season, Alabama will begin the year ranked No. 8 in the preseason AP Top 25. For most programs, a top-10 preseason ranking would be reason for celebration, a sign of respect and recognition. For Alabama, however, it feels a little different. This is a program used to starting the season in the top five — often at No. 1 — and finishing the year in the thick of the national championship conversation. Starting at eighth is both a reminder of the challenges ahead and a motivator for what could be a thrilling season.
The ranking is a clear reflection of the national perception surrounding this year’s Crimson Tide squad. There’s no question that Alabama remains loaded with talent, but there’s also no ignoring the question marks. The biggest storyline heading into the season is the emergence of Ty Simpson as the starting quarterback. The former highly touted recruit finally has the reins, and fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he performs under the bright lights of SEC football. His potential is undeniable, but in a league where proven experience often dictates early-season respect, voters have taken a cautious approach.
Nick Saban, entering yet another season at the helm, is no stranger to skepticism — and no stranger to proving doubters wrong. The man who has built one of the most dominant dynasties in college football history has a long track record of turning preseason rankings into irrelevant talking points by November. He will no doubt use the No. 8 ranking as motivation for his team, reminding them that in Tuscaloosa, the standard is much higher than what the polls suggest.
The last time Alabama began the season ranked this low, the program responded with fire. In fact, history shows that when the Tide are overlooked, they often come back stronger, more disciplined, and more dangerous. For Saban, the message is simple: preseason polls don’t win championships — performance does. That mentality has been a cornerstone of Alabama’s success for nearly two decades.
Fans’ reactions to the No. 8 spot have been mixed but passionate. Some see it as an insult, a sign that the national media is undervaluing Alabama’s depth, recruiting classes, and coaching staff. Others are embracing the “underdog” label, eager to see the Tide play with a chip on their shoulder for the first time in years. On social media, posts range from defiant — “Don’t doubt Bama” — to confident predictions that Alabama will be back in the top three by midseason.
Part of the ranking can be attributed to roster turnover. Alabama lost several key players to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal, including stars who were integral to last season’s success. While the replacements are brimming with talent, many are still untested at the highest level. The offensive line is working to establish its identity, the receiver room is filled with potential but lacks proven production, and the defense is looking to reassert itself as one of the most feared units in the nation.
Defensively, the Tide return a mix of veterans and promising young talent. The front seven looks capable of causing havoc in the backfield, while the secondary remains athletic and opportunistic. However, with early games against high-powered offenses, there will be little time for adjustments. Voters likely considered the possibility of a slow start against such a challenging schedule, which could explain the more conservative preseason ranking.
The SEC schedule, as always, will test Alabama from start to finish. The Tide will face conference heavyweights like Georgia and LSU, while rivalry games against Auburn and Tennessee will carry their usual high stakes. There’s also a marquee nonconference matchup against Texas, a game that could go a long way toward shaping the national perception of Alabama’s playoff chances. Starting at No. 8 means the Tide have room to climb — and also less margin for error.
Still, the lower-than-usual ranking offers potential advantages. Without the constant pressure of being preseason No. 1, Alabama can focus on building chemistry, refining execution, and peaking at the right time. Saban has often emphasized the importance of growth throughout the season, and starting slightly lower in the polls could allow the Tide to develop without the same level of early-season scrutiny they’re used to facing.
Ty Simpson’s performance will be central to Alabama’s rise — or stagnation — in the rankings. As a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move, he brings versatility to the offense. His connection with Alabama’s receivers, his decision-making under pressure, and his ability to lead in crunch-time situations will determine how quickly the Tide can prove they belong higher than No. 8. Fans believe in his talent, but they also understand that replacing a seasoned starter and maintaining Alabama’s offensive standard is no easy task.
Beyond the quarterback position, Alabama’s running game could be a strength that helps steady the offense early on. The Tide’s backfield is stacked with powerful, explosive runners who can wear down defenses and control the tempo of games. If the offensive line can establish dominance, the ground attack could open up opportunities for big passing plays and make Simpson’s job easier.
Special teams, often overlooked in preseason discussions, could also be a deciding factor in close games. Alabama has the personnel to make an impact in the return game and on field goals, and in a conference where small margins often decide outcomes, that edge could be invaluable.
The No. 8 ranking also says as much about the rest of the college football landscape as it does about Alabama. Programs like Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State have garnered significant preseason hype, with veteran rosters and recent playoff appearances earning them higher spots. The Tide will have opportunities to face — and potentially beat — some of these top teams, making the path to a playoff berth straightforward, if not easy.
In Tuscaloosa, the fans are ready. The Walk of Champions will still be packed on game day, Bryant-Denny Stadium will still shake with every third-down stop, and the familiar roar of “Roll Tide” will echo throughout the fall. For the Alabama faithful, a preseason ranking is just a number. What matters is what happens when the whistle blows, and their belief in Saban’s ability to mold a championship contender hasn’t wavered.
If anything, this ranking has heightened anticipation. It’s a different kind of season opener — one where Alabama is looking up rather than down at the competition. That hunger, combined with the program’s unmatched recruiting and coaching, could make the 2025 Tide one of the most dangerous teams in the country. Opponents who see the No. 8 ranking and assume a drop-off may find themselves in for a rude awakening.
Alabama football has built its reputation on more than just rankings. It’s about preparation, execution, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether starting at No. 1 or No. 8, the goal remains the same: win the SEC, make the playoff, and bring another national championship back to Tuscaloosa.
As the season approaches, the focus shifts from preseason speculation to on-field performance. Every snap, every drive, and every game will be a chance to prove that the Crimson Tide are still among the sport’s elite. And if history is any indication, by the time the postseason picture takes shape, Alabama could be right where they’re used to being — at the center of the national title conversation.
For now, the message to the college football world is clear: underestimate Alabama at your own risk. The 2025 season is just beginning, and the Tide are more than ready to rise.
