Alabama Football Ranked No. 7 by Phil Steele as Crimson Tide Aim to Prove They’re Still the Standard in 2025 Season

Alabama Football Ranked No. 7 by Phil Steele as Crimson Tide Aim to Prove They’re Still the Standard in 2025 Season

Alabama football has long been synonymous with dominance, tradition, and excellence. Year after year, the Crimson Tide have set the standard in college football, with national championships, NFL Draft picks, and iconic moments that have shaped the sport’s modern era. However, entering the 2025 season, the landscape looks a little different in Tuscaloosa. With legendary head coach Nick Saban retired, a new regime in place, and a slightly different aura surrounding the program, Alabama finds itself ranked No. 7 in Phil Steele’s annual college football preview magazine.

For most programs, being ranked seventh nationally would be cause for celebration. For Alabama, it raises eyebrows. It’s a sign of respect, yes, but also a subtle message that perhaps the dominance is being questioned. Steele, one of the most respected voices in college football analysis, doesn’t just throw rankings around without substance. His magazine is a data-rich resource filled with team breakdowns, returning production, strength of schedule, and historical trends. So, when Alabama shows up at No. 7, it says something significant — this team is still dangerous, still elite, but perhaps not the overwhelming favorite anymore.

The ranking comes after a 2024 season that saw Alabama fall short of its usual lofty goals. While the team remained competitive and certainly one of the top squads in the nation, cracks showed — particularly on offense, where consistency was hard to find at times. The departure of key veterans, some transfers, and a coaching transition all played into the challenges. The defense remained stout under veteran leadership, but without Saban on the sidelines, the psychological edge Alabama had enjoyed for over a decade was slightly dulled.

Now, with a full offseason under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, there’s a mixture of excitement and curiosity about what’s next for the Tide. DeBoer, who came from Washington, brings with him a reputation for offensive innovation, player development, and attention to detail. His teams have routinely overachieved, and now with Alabama-level resources, he has a real shot at elevating the program in his own vision while maintaining its winning culture.

Steele’s ranking suggests he believes DeBoer can keep the Tide in the national title conversation immediately, but also signals some doubts about a seamless transition. One major question looming is how quickly the team adapts to new systems on both sides of the ball. While the talent on the roster is still among the best in the country — thanks to years of top-ranked recruiting classes — talent alone doesn’t guarantee success. Continuity, leadership, and buy-in will all play key roles in determining whether Alabama exceeds expectations or falls short.

Offensively, much of the attention centers on the quarterback position. Jalen Milroe, who returned for another season, showed flashes of brilliance in 2024 but also had moments of inconsistency. Under DeBoer’s guidance, the hope is that Milroe can become a more polished, decision-making machine who uses his dual-threat capabilities strategically rather than recklessly. The offensive line, often a strength for Alabama, needs to solidify itself early, particularly in pass protection. The skill positions are filled with young playmakers eager to break out, and if they do, this unit could return to the explosive form seen in earlier Alabama teams under Saban.

The running game is expected to be a focal point again. With a stable of talented backs led by veterans and supplemented by rising underclassmen, Alabama will look to establish the ground game as a foundation for the offense. If the line holds up and Milroe can command the offense with authority, this team has the weapons to score with anybody in the country.

Defensively, Alabama will still rely on speed, physicality, and depth — trademarks of the Tide’s identity. The linebacker corps, while young, has shown promise. Jihaad Campbell returns as a key figure after a standout 2024 season, and his leadership will be vital. The secondary also boasts some of the most athletic players in the SEC, though there’s still a need for more experience to emerge on the back end. The defensive front is deep and physical, with players capable of disrupting both the run and pass.

Phil Steele’s No. 7 ranking also reflects the broader national picture. The SEC remains a gauntlet, with Georgia, Texas, and LSU all posing serious threats. Non-conference schedules are increasingly challenging, and the expanded College Football Playoff means more teams have a shot at postseason glory. Steele’s assessment seems to place Alabama firmly in that elite tier, but behind a few teams that may have more continuity or fewer question marks.

Another factor that may have contributed to the ranking is Alabama’s schedule. The Tide face a challenging slate that includes tough SEC road games and marquee matchups that could swing their entire season trajectory. Steele’s power ratings typically factor in strength of schedule heavily, so if Alabama navigates that path successfully, there’s a good chance they could climb higher than No. 7 in the polls as the season progresses.

Fan reaction to the ranking has been mixed. Some view it as disrespectful, a snub to a program that has dominated college football like no other in the past 15 years. Others see it as realistic — a recognition that change is hard, and Alabama isn’t immune to the effects of transition, even with elite talent. Still, for many inside the program, the ranking is fuel. Alabama has always played best with something to prove, and Steele’s ranking, while respectful, gives them exactly that.

The players have reportedly embraced the underdog mindset, if it can even be called that. DeBoer has emphasized accountability, preparation, and team cohesion during spring and summer workouts. Reports out of Tuscaloosa suggest a highly competitive atmosphere, with younger players pushing veterans and a renewed focus on fundamentals. The coaching staff, though new, has brought energy and innovation, which could pay dividends early in the season.

One thing that remains certain is the expectation. At Alabama, anything short of a championship run is considered a disappointment. Phil Steele’s ranking may temper outside expectations, but inside the walls of the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility, the standard remains the same. Players are reminded daily of the legacy they represent, the greats who came before them, and the opportunity they have to write their own chapter in the Tide’s storied history.

As fall camp approaches, the countdown to kickoff intensifies. The questions will soon have answers — can Milroe take the next step? Will DeBoer’s system take hold quickly? Can the defense continue to dominate? Can Alabama reassert itself as the team to beat in the SEC and beyond?

Phil Steele’s No. 7 ranking isn’t a dismissal of Alabama’s power — it’s a challenge. It’s a recognition that the Tide are still among the elite, but not untouchable. That’s a position Alabama hasn’t occupied often in the past decade, but perhaps it’s exactly what this team needs.

The 2025 season won’t be defined by preseason rankings. It will be defined by grit, execution, resilience, and leadership. Alabama has all the pieces — now it’s a matter of putting them together. And if history is any indication, betting against the Crimson Tide, especially when people start to doubt them, usually doesn’t end well for the rest of college football.

So, while Phil Steele may have Alabama at No. 7 for now, don’t be surprised if the Tide are knocking on the door of No. 1 when it matters most. Because at Alabama, the mission never changes: win championships, set the standard, and make history.