ESPN believes this game will be pivotal for Alabama’s 2025 football season.
The sports network recently released a list highlighting the most crucial matchups for each projected Top 25 team.
After a disappointing 2024 season in which Alabama narrowly missed the College Football Playoff, the Crimson Tide are eager to bounce back. Despite impressive wins over Georgia and LSU, three regular-season losses—against Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Oklahoma—ultimately kept them out of the playoff for the first time since 2010. Their season ended on another low note with a shocking loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl despite being heavy favorites.
The pressure is on for head coach Kalen DeBoer in 2025. If Alabama fails to make the playoff again, DeBoer’s support among fans could dwindle, placing him on the hot seat heading into 2026.
ESPN’s list names Alabama’s home game against Tennessee on October 18 as the defining matchup of the season. The Crimson Tide fell to the Volunteers 24-17 in Knoxville last year, and with a tough road schedule that includes trips to Florida State, Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, and Auburn, Alabama can’t afford another loss to Tennessee—especially at home.
Historically, Tennessee hasn’t won in Tuscaloosa since a dramatic five-overtime game in 2003. Alabama will need to keep that streak alive if they hope to make a serious playoff push.
ESPN also identified Alabama as the key opponent for Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
For Georgia, the matchup in Athens is critical. Despite an otherwise dominant tenure, Kirby Smart is just 1-6 against Alabama, and Georgia fans expected the tide to turn after Nick Saban’s retirement. However, last season’s loss to Alabama under DeBoer proved otherwise, making this game a must-win for Smart.
South Carolina, meanwhile, fell just short of a College Football Playoff berth last year, with their narrow loss to Alabama playing a key role. The Gamecocks will be eager for revenge when Alabama visits Williams-Brice Stadium.
Beyond Tennessee, Alabama’s road trip to Missouri in October and their November showdown with LSU in Tuscaloosa are also expected to be major tests for the Crimson Tide.
