Alabama’s Position in the Preseason SEC Power Rankings Reveals Respect for Tradition but Acknowledges Uncertainty in the Post-Saban Era
For the first time in over a decade and a half, Alabama football enters a season without Nick Saban on the sideline. That single fact alone changes everything—not only for the Crimson Tide but for the entire landscape of college football and, more immediately, the SEC. With the 2025 season looming, fans, analysts, and insiders alike are all asking a similar question: where does Alabama rank in the preseason SEC power rankings now that the Saban dynasty has ended?
This question doesn’t have a simple answer. On one hand, Alabama remains one of the most talent-rich programs in the nation, a powerhouse with NFL-level depth at nearly every position, and a recruiting machine that shows no signs of slowing down. On the other, the departure of the most legendary coach in modern college football history has left a leadership void. Kalen DeBoer steps in with a stellar résumé, fresh off a national title game appearance with Washington, but the SEC is a different beast.
So, where does Alabama actually stand?
In most major preseason SEC power rankings compiled by media outlets and analysts, Alabama currently sits between second and fourth place. While that might seem like a dip for a program so accustomed to the top spot, it still reflects a high level of respect for the program’s infrastructure, returning talent, and coaching transition.
Let’s start at the top: Georgia. It’s no surprise that Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs claim the No. 1 spot in nearly every preseason SEC ranking. Georgia has won two of the last three national titles and enters 2025 with a roster that is loaded once again. Carson Beck returns at quarterback, and the Bulldogs have stability, experience, and a culture built to last. That gives them a slight edge over everyone else—Alabama included.
After Georgia, opinions start to split.
Some rank Texas at No. 2, noting the program’s impressive SEC debut looming after a successful 2024 season in the Big 12 and College Football Playoff experience. With Quinn Ewers back and an elite offensive line, Texas has a strong case. Others still slot Alabama second, citing its unmatched recruiting classes and DeBoer’s ability to quickly adapt and compete at the highest level.
The case for Alabama holding the No. 2 or No. 3 spot comes down to a few major factors. First and foremost is talent. Despite the departure of several stars to the NFL—including JC Latham, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Dallas Turner—Alabama’s depth chart remains stacked. Players like Jalen Milroe, who showed tremendous growth in 2024, return with more experience. Milroe’s dual-threat capability, combined with a deep backfield featuring Justice Haynes and Richard Young, gives Alabama a potent offensive attack.
Then there’s the offensive line, a unit that could become the strength of the team. With returning studs like Tyler Booker and the re-addition of Kadyn Proctor after his brief transfer to Iowa, the Tide’s front five has the potential to dominate—especially under the guidance of new offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic. If that unit gels early, Alabama could control the line of scrimmage against even the most aggressive SEC defenses.
On the defensive side of the ball, Alabama will feature plenty of new faces but also some familiar ones ready to break out. Deontae Lawson returns to lead the linebacker corps, and rising stars like Caleb Downs in the secondary are expected to become cornerstones of the new defensive scheme under DeBoer and his staff. While it may take time to adjust from Saban’s defensive philosophy, the physical tools are all present.
However, Alabama’s placement in the preseason rankings is not just about talent—it’s about questions. There are legitimate unknowns that prevent some from putting Alabama above Georgia or even ahead of LSU or Texas.
One of the biggest is how quickly DeBoer can adapt to the SEC. The SEC is a gauntlet unlike any other. At Washington, DeBoer led an explosive offense and outcoached major names, but he didn’t face the kind of week-in, week-out grind that the SEC delivers. There are no breathers. Every road game is hostile. Every defense is fast, aggressive, and deep. How DeBoer and his staff manage that adjustment will go a long way in determining how Alabama fares.
Another concern is the defense’s transition. Saban’s fingerprints were on every detail of Alabama’s defensive system, and while it sometimes bent, it rarely broke. Without his presence, can the unit maintain its high standards? The scheme, terminology, and approach will all shift under new leadership, and that means possible growing pains—especially early in the season.
There’s also the intangible element of leadership. Saban wasn’t just a coach—he was a standard. His presence demanded excellence. While DeBoer is an excellent communicator and motivator, it’s fair to wonder whether that same aura of discipline and urgency will carry over. Alabama’s culture will evolve, and that evolution could either fuel a rejuvenated team or create some early turbulence.
That said, it’s important not to underestimate the value of a fresh voice. Players have praised DeBoer’s energy, clarity, and trust in his staff. The offseason reports out of Tuscaloosa suggest a focused and energized locker room. If DeBoer can preserve the best parts of Saban’s structure while injecting his own offensive creativity and player-friendly communication style, Alabama could actually benefit from the change—at least on offense.
So who’s behind Alabama in the rankings? LSU is close. With Garrett Nussmeier taking over full-time at quarterback and Brian Kelly entering his third year, LSU has a lot to be excited about. The offense could be dynamic once again, and the defense, although needing improvement, has some potential breakout players. But depth concerns and questions about consistency give Alabama the slight edge—for now.
Ole Miss is another riser. Lane Kiffin has built a dangerous offensive roster and brought in key transfers to shore up the defense. The Rebels are considered by some as a dark horse for the SEC title game. Still, until they can prove they belong in that upper tier against teams like Alabama and Georgia, they’ll remain just outside the top three.
Then comes the rest of the conference: Texas A&M, Tennessee, Missouri, and Florida all have varying levels of optimism and instability. Texas A&M has the talent but is starting over with a new head coach. Tennessee is reloading and needs its offense to click with a young quarterback. Missouri is coming off a strong year but lacks depth. Florida is trying to avoid another disappointing campaign under Billy Napier.
All of this means that Alabama, while no longer the clear-cut No. 1, still resides in the SEC’s upper echelon. Most consensus rankings slot Alabama at No. 3 in the preseason, behind Georgia and either Texas or LSU. That ranking reflects a realistic view of where things stand: still elite, still dangerous, but also in transition.
The 2025 season could go several ways for the Tide. If Milroe takes a leap and the defense adjusts quickly, Alabama could very well return to the College Football Playoff. But if the coaching transition proves bumpy and the early games expose gaps in chemistry or execution, the Tide could fall short of their usual dominance.
Ultimately, Alabama’s position in the SEC power rankings entering 2025 is a testament to two things: the program’s historic foundation and the uncertainty that comes with a new chapter. It’s a rare moment of vulnerability for a team that’s long been untouchable. But it’s also a moment ripe with possibility.
If DeBoer can channel the pressure into performance, if the leaders on this roster step into the spotlight, and if Alabama embraces this new identity without fear, they won’t be sitting at No. 3 for long. Because rankings are only predictions. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that counting out Alabama—at any rank—is almost always a mistake.
