Mark Ingram reveals 2025 CFP national champion pick before Week 1 slate

Mark Ingram can’t turn his back on his alma mater. On Friday, the Crimson Tide legend picked Alabama to win the national championship in the 2025 campaign.

Ingram isn’t the only one who expects great things from Alabama this year. The Rolling Tide are entering the season ranked at No. 8 in the AP Top 25. In fairness, there’s plenty to be excited about in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama is entering its second year under head coach Kalen DeBoer. Sophomore efforts have been kind to DeBoer in the past. In his second season at Sioux Falls, DeBoer led the team to a 14-0 record and an NAIA championship.

In Year 2 at Fresno State, DeBoer made a six-win leap from his debut campaign, guiding the Bulldogs to a 9-3 mark. Most recently, DeBoer propelled Washington a 14-1 record and a national championship appearance during his second year with the Huskies.

Now, DeBoer will look to build on this trend in Alabama. The Crimson Tide are returning a whopping 14 starters from last season, including standouts such as offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor and linebacker Deontae Lawson.

Alabama will immediately be put to the test this season. On Saturday, the Crimson Tide will square off against Florida State in their season-opener. Although FSU struggled last season, Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell has proven he’s capable of coaching his teams to success in the past.

In 2023, Florida State had a perfect regular season and won the ACC Championship. For FSU to reach its former heights, it’ll need to start the season off right with a win over Alabama. Kalen DeBoer is excited for the challenge.

“It’s game week, and it’s a great feeling for everyone,” DeBoer said this week. “Excited about this last week of preparation, guys, I think, are in a good spot. We continue to have those things continue to be healed up here nicely last week and so getting time to play, see where we’re at. I think this team we’ve got here, going on the road, it’ll be a great test with Florida State.

“We know that the coaching staff, head coach, Coach Norvell, two new coordinators. It’s been a lot of film for us to pour through. We know that they’ve done a great job over their careers, individually and now collectively. We know that we’re going to face a good test there this weekend.”

Alabama will look to make Mark Ingram proud when it takes on FSU at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will air live on ABC.