Alabama Crimson Tide Football: Phil Steele 2025 Forecast

Phil Steele gave his 2025 forecast for the Alabama Crimson Tide this coming college football season and the veteran writer expects big things. Going into Year 2 under Kalen DeBoer will be pivotal, but there’s a chance for a special season.

Of course, DeBoer has to figure out the quarterback situation, although signs point towards Ty Simpson. Other than that, the Crimson Tide have more talent than 2024 and look like SEC and national title contenders once again.

Of course, it’s been a rollercoaster since Nick Saban’s retirement, as Steele pointed out. But things are coming up Alabama this fall.

“In ‘23 things started slow for Nick Saban with a loss to Texas, which ended their 21 game home win streak,” Steele wrote. “They were tied with USF 3-3 at half and needed a late TD to win by 14. They trailed Ole Miss, A&M and Tennessee at (the) half, but won the West, then upset Georgia in the SEC title game. For the eighth time in 10 years, Bama made it to the four-team playoff before a close loss to Michigan. In January, Nick Saban surprised many, including myself, by retiring. Bama lost a ton of players to the NFL, but also 31 players to the transfer portal. Kalen DeBoer had an overall record of 104-12. He took a team less overall talent that Bama to the national title in ‘23 (with Washington). Bama did have 3 Net Close wins and were -58 in All Conference Points, both signs pointing down in ‘24.” 

At one point, it looked like DeBoer might have some instant magic in Tuscaloosa. Once Alabama beat Georgia, it looked like an unstoppable freight train. But then reality settled in.

“Plus (they) faced the 9th toughest schedule in the country. The Tide opened 4-0 with a big win over No. 1 Georgia and moved to No. 1 AP, but were upset by Vandy, just escaped South Carolina and lost at Tennessee. Bama rebounded, shutting out Mizzou 34-0 and blasting LSU in Death Valley (they led 42-6!). The Tide were upset again, this time at Oklahoma and three early turnovers had them lose to Michigan in the bowl to finish 9-4. The last time they did not win 10 games was 2007. Kalen DeBoer won a national title in his second year with Washington. He could be poised for the same type of 2nd year success here. 

“The team is now fully bought into the coaching change and of course has one of the most talented rosters in the country. They rate a +2.5 in my SMI and go from being No. 95 on the experience chart to No. 46. Alabama is one of my favorites to get to the SEC title game and will prove to be a legitimate national title contender after a down year.”

Alabama will open the season at Florida State on August 30th. Its first conference game takes place against Georgia on September 27th.