For over a decade, Alabama football has stood as the gold standard of excellence in the Southeastern Conference (SEC)—and much of that reputation was built on an elite defensive tradition. Under the leadership of legendary coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide developed a dominant defensive identity that not only terrorized opposing offenses but also fed the NFL with a consistent pipeline of first-round draft talent. From lockdown cornerbacks to hard-hitting linebackers and immovable defensive linemen, Alabama’s defense was often the backbone of its championship runs.
However, 2025 has brought a surprising and somewhat sobering shift in perception. For the first time in the era of the SEC preseason media poll, Alabama has not been picked to finish first. This is a notable break from the dominance the program has held for years, especially under Saban, who stepped down after the 2023 season. The Crimson Tide’s drop in the preseason rankings marks not only a changing of the guard but also raises deeper questions about the direction and current standing of the storied program.
Although Alabama remains a national powerhouse, the preseason poll results reflect growing skepticism from media and analysts alike. Much of this hesitancy likely stems from the program’s current transition phase. With Saban’s retirement still fresh, new head coach Kalen DeBoer steps into enormous shoes. DeBoer, who previously led Washington to the College Football Playoff, has already shown he’s a capable leader, but guiding a team like Alabama carries its own unique pressures and expectations.
The uncertainty surrounding Alabama’s defensive identity under the new regime may be part of what has led to the team’s slide in the preseason predictions. The Crimson Tide defense, once feared for its discipline, physicality, and strategic brilliance, now faces questions about whether it can uphold the same high standard. While Alabama still boasts a roster stacked with talent, the development and cohesion of that talent—especially on defense—remains to be seen. Can they maintain the aggressive, suffocating style that became synonymous with Alabama football under Saban? Or will the defense take a different shape under DeBoer’s leadership?
Offensively, there’s also change in the air. Alabama will likely be adjusting to new play-callers, a fresh quarterback situation, and evolving chemistry on both sides of the ball. While none of this spells doom, it’s enough to give voters pause when compared to more stable situations in the SEC, such as Georgia, which has continued its rise under Kirby Smart.
This preseason result isn’t just a ranking—it’s a reflection of a broader shift in SEC power dynamics. It suggests that the once-unquestioned dominance of Alabama is now being challenged more seriously than in past years. That doesn’t mean Alabama is irrelevant—not by any stretch. The team is still expected to contend for the SEC title and potentially a College Football Playoff spot. But the aura of inevitability that once surrounded the Tide has been pierced.
As the 2025 season kicks off, Alabama finds itself in a rare position: not the hunted, but perhaps one of the hunters. And that might be exactly the type of motivation this team needs to reclaim its spot atop the SEC throne. Either way, fans across the country will be watching closely to see how this new chapter in Alabama football unfolds.