Alabama had a disappointing season in 2024 under the direction of first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide finished the season with a 9-4 record which is uncommon for Alabama’s standards. The road ahead will not be much easier as Alabama faces a difficult series of opponents during the 2025 season.
Touchdown Alabama predicts the five toughest games for Alabama in 2025.
1. South Carolina
One of the teams that pushed Alabama the most during the 2024 season was South Carolina. The Gamecocks were a few plays away from giving Alabama its second loss of the season.
Shane Beamer’s squad will likely be a preseason top-10 opponent for Alabama. The Gamecocks return a strong core of players headlined by quarterback LaNorris Sellers, edge rusher Dylan Stewart, and wide receiver Nyckoles Harbor. With the game being in Columbia, there is good reason to believe this team will be Alabama’s most difficult opponent in 2025.
2. Georgia
One of the biggest games of the 2024 season was Georgia versus Alabama. The Bulldogs overcame a huge deficit to make things close in the end. Ultimately, Alabama came away with the victory.
Kirby Smart will have a plethora of starters returning next season and will have a roster equipped to compete for a national title. The fact that Alabama travels to Athens early on in the season will make things even more challenging. The Bulldogs will give the Crimson Tide everything they can handle in Week 4.
3. Tennessee
Alabama will be looking to get revenge on rival Tennessee next season. Alabama has lost in each of its last two games in Neyland Stadium. Josh Heupel’s squad will look a little different next season with several key players turning pro.
Needless to say, it will be a great opportunity for both teams to truly showcase their potential for the rest of the season. The good news for Alabama is that they will have the home field advantage in 2025.
4. LSU
Despite a lopsided outing in Baton Rouge in 2024, LSU figures to put up more of a fight in 2025. The Tigers return key players like quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and linebackers Harold Perkins and Whit Weeks.
Brian Kelly could be on the hot seat if he is unable to beat some blue blood teams next season. This will be a good test for both teams in the first week of November.
5. Florida State
The only reason why Florida State is at No. 5 is a result of the subpar season they had in 2024. The ‘Noles finished the season with a 2-10 record after finishing the 2023 season with a 13-1 record.
Florida State saw a multitude of players transfer out this offseason. However, head coach Mike Norvell brought in 16 transfers this offseason which will prove to be crucial to the team’s success in 2025. With Alabama opening up the season in Tallahassee, it will be interesting to see how the starting quarterback fares in a hostile, energy-filled environment.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
