Five Way-Too-Early Predictions for the 2025 Alabama Football Season
As the 2025 Alabama football season looms on the horizon, the Crimson Tide continues to evolve under the watchful eye of head coach Nick Saban. While it’s nearly impossible to predict the future with certainty, certain trends, recruiting cycles, and program trajectories give us a foundation for crafting some bold (and admittedly early) predictions for Alabama in 2025. With several major storylines already beginning to take shape, here’s a look at what could transpire in Tuscaloosa come the 2025 season.
1. Alabama Will Have a New Starting Quarterback – and He Will Be a Future NFL Star
By the time the 2025 season rolls around, the Alabama football program will have moved on from the current wave of quarterbacks. Bryce Young, a generational talent, is expected to be drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, while his successors, Jalen Milroe or Ty Simpson, will have likely already played prominent roles in the upcoming 2023 and 2024 seasons. This would mean that, by 2025, Alabama will usher in a new face at quarterback.
Considering the elite recruiting pipeline Saban has built, it’s not hard to imagine a high-profile freshman or transfer quarterback stepping into the starting role. Names like Julian Sayin, the 2024 5-star quarterback commit, could very well be at the forefront of the QB competition in 2025. Given Alabama’s consistent track record of developing top-tier quarterbacks, there’s a strong likelihood that this new starter will not only excel in the college ranks but also project as a future NFL star. Whether it’s a well-developed transfer or an emerging young talent like Sayin, the future of Alabama’s quarterback position looks promising.
This change under center will be significant in shaping the Tide’s offensive identity. Much like we saw with Tua Tagovailoa in 2017 or Bryce Young in 2021, Alabama’s next QB will almost certainly come in with massive expectations. However, with Alabama’s wealth of talent around him—especially at wide receiver and offensive line—the new signal-caller could thrive immediately and put up eye-popping stats.
Prediction: By the end of the 2025 season, Alabama’s starting quarterback will be a household name in college football, likely setting the stage for an NFL career.
2. Alabama Will Continue to Dominate in Recruiting, with a Class That is Arguably the Best Ever
Nick Saban has built Alabama into a recruiting juggernaut, and with the 2025 recruiting class already on the radar, we can expect no less. Alabama’s recruiting efforts are continuously propelled by their sustained success, the program’s prestige, and Saban’s unparalleled ability to convince elite athletes to sign on with the Tide. It’s also worth noting that in 2025, Alabama will still be operating in a NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) environment, which will continue to make the Tide a major player in the recruiting game.
While predicting specific names is always tricky, Alabama is almost certain to land another top-tier class—potentially their best yet. The emergence of NIL deals as a driving force in recruiting could actually work to Alabama’s advantage, as the school is well-resourced to offer significant NIL opportunities to prospects. This will be especially true for skill positions, where Alabama has historically excelled.
In 2025, Alabama’s recruiting class could not only rival the best in college football history but could very well set a new standard for the entire sport. Given the state of college football’s recruitment processes and the brand power of the Alabama Crimson Tide, we can expect Alabama to add an unprecedented level of talent across all positions.
Prediction: Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class will be ranked No. 1 nationally and could include some of the most coveted prospects in recent memory.
3. The Defense Will Remain Alabama’s Backbone, Even as the Offense Takes on a New Look
While Alabama’s offense has seen some noticeable shifts in recent seasons, the team’s defense under Nick Saban will remain the program’s identity. By 2025, the Tide’s defensive line will be stocked with elite talent, including top-tier edge rushers and interior disruptors. This defensive front will be pivotal in maintaining Alabama’s position as one of the top defenses in the nation.
Saban’s ability to adapt his defensive schemes to the evolving style of college football—whether through 3-4, 4-3, or hybrid systems—will ensure that Alabama remains a nightmare for opposing offenses. It’s reasonable to believe that by 2025, Alabama will have further solidified its defensive reputation, with future NFL stars dotting the roster at linebacker, defensive back, and the defensive line. With players such as Kool-Aid McKinstry at cornerback likely entering the professional ranks, Alabama will need to reload, but reload they will—likely with more lockdown corners and sideline-to-sideline linebackers.
Even with an offense that may shift to a more dynamic, air-raid style of play, the defense will provide the consistency and toughness that the Crimson Tide are known for. Saban’s success at identifying and developing defensive talent shows no signs of slowing down, meaning Alabama’s defense will once again be one of the nation’s best.
Prediction: Alabama’s defense in 2025 will remain among the top 5 in the nation, even as offensive schemes evolve.
4. Alabama Will Capture Another SEC Championship and Make the Playoff
As the college football playoff picture gets even more competitive, Alabama remains a perennial contender. By 2025, the SEC will still be the nation’s toughest conference, but the Crimson Tide will once again find themselves in the thick of things, battling for an SEC championship and a spot in the playoff. The combination of a new quarterback, elite defensive talent, and Saban’s exceptional coaching acumen will keep Alabama at the top of the SEC pecking order.
The 2025 season could be especially pivotal for Alabama if there’s a new playoff format that allows for more teams to enter the tournament. Regardless, the Tide’s track record of competing in big games and winning crucial matchups under pressure will set them up for another deep playoff run. By that time, the SEC Championship will continue to be one of the most highly anticipated games of the season—and Alabama will likely be in the mix to win it once again, ensuring that they are on the path to the College Football Playoff.
Prediction: Alabama will win the SEC Championship in 2025 and return to the College Football Playoff, making a strong case for a national title appearance.
5. Nick Saban Will Begin to Pass the Baton to His Successor, But Not Before Another National Championship Run
Nick Saban’s future is a common topic of conversation, but as we approach the 2025 season, it’s clear that Saban has no intention of slowing down just yet. However, by the time 2025 rolls around, he will be entering his 70s, and it’s reasonable to expect that Alabama will start making plans for the post-Saban era. While we’ve heard rumors about possible successors, Saban will likely remain heavily involved in the decision-making process as the program’s leader, with a potential successor (like current defensive coordinator Kevin Steele or offensive mind Bill O’Brien) beginning to emerge as a clear frontrunner.
Despite this looming transition, 2025 may very well be the last great season of the Nick Saban era before the baton is passed. Alabama’s recruiting efforts and coaching infrastructure will continue to be in great hands, but Saban will look to secure another championship during what could be his penultimate or final season as head coach.
Saban’s ability to manage a team to a national championship in his final seasons could add one more jewel to his already glittering legacy.
Prediction: Nick Saban will retire after the 2025 season with one more national championship under his belt, leaving the Alabama program in strong hands for the future.
