The landscape of college football is ever-shifting, and the release of FanDuel’s early win totals for the 2025 season has delivered a seismic jolt to the world of Alabama Crimson Tide football. The oddsmakers have set the over/under for Alabama at a surprisingly low 8.5 wins, a figure that casts a long shadow of doubt over the team’s traditionally dominant status. This isn’t the familiar narrative of a reigning champion; instead, Alabama enters the 2025 season with a target on its back, but one that signifies vulnerability rather than invincibility.
For a program accustomed to residing at the pinnacle of the sport, this perceived weakness represents a significant departure from the norm, and it’s a development that could ignite a fire within the Crimson Tide.
This unfamiliar underdog status could be precisely the catalyst Alabama needs to rediscover its relentless drive. The team faces a confluence of challenges, chief among them the critical question mark at the quarterback position. With Jalen Milroe’s departure for the NFL, the quarterback room becomes a battleground.
Ty Simpson appears to be the leading candidate, but he’ll face stiff competition from Washington transfer Austin Mack and highly-touted freshman Keelon Russell, both eager to seize the reins of the offense.1 The quarterback competition will be a focal point of the offseason and early season, as the team’s success hinges significantly on finding a capable leader under center.
While the quarterback situation remains uncertain, the Crimson Tide’s roster boasts an abundance of talent in other crucial areas. The defense, a perennial force in college football, is expected to maintain its elite status.
On the offensive side, skilled players like Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, and the explosive running back Jam Miller provide a solid foundation for whoever takes the snaps at quarterback. If Alabama can effectively navigate the quarterback transition and minimize costly errors, they possess the raw materials to contend for a national championship.
However, the path to glory in 2025 is fraught with peril, thanks to a brutally unforgiving schedule. The season kicks off with a daunting road trip to face Florida State, a contest that will immediately test the mettle of this Alabama squad. Non-conference clashes against Wisconsin further amplify the early-season challenges. The SEC gauntlet that follows is nothing short of a trial by fire, with road games against formidable opponents like Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, and Auburn.2 Adding to the intensity, Alabama welcomes perennial powerhouses such as Tennessee, LSU, and Oklahoma to Tuscaloosa.3 This grueling schedule presents a formidable obstacle course, one that will demand peak performance week in and week out.
The weight of expectations, coupled with the daunting schedule, places considerable pressure on head coach Kalen DeBoer. The 2025 season could very well define his legacy at Alabama. A successful campaign, navigating these treacherous waters and leading the team to victory, would solidify his position as the right leader for this storied program.
Conversely, a disappointing season could amplify the pressure and raise questions about his long-term future with the Crimson Tide. As Alabama embarks on this challenging journey, the central question remains: Can they overcome the odds and prove the doubters wrong, or will the whispers of decline grow louder?
Despite the inherent difficulties of the 2025 season, the very fact that expectations are lower than usual could serve as a powerful motivator for this Alabama team. The sting of being underestimated, the hunger to reclaim their place atop the college football world, could fuel a resurgence. There’s a certain poetic justice in proving the naysayers wrong, and the Crimson Tide has a history of thriving when challenged. The 2025 season promises to be a defining chapter in Alabama football’s story, a test of resilience, a testament to their enduring spirit. It’s a season where they have the opportunity to not only defy expectations but to rewrite the narrative and remind the world why Alabama remains a force to be reckoned with.
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