2025 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Bombshell: New 5-Star Commit & Strategy Shake-Up Revealed

Opening surge under DeBoer keeps Alabama football in national spotlight TUSCALOOSA—Alabama Crimson Tide football enters Week 3 of the 2025 college football season fighting to stay in the College Football Playoff race under second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer. After an uneven 1-1 start, the Tide bounced back with a 73-0 demolition of UL Monroe, restoring confidence in both locker room and fan base. DeBoer promises “some big things” ahead Speaking to reporters on Monday, DeBoer insisted the team’s preseason goals are still within reach despite a season-opening upset loss: “We can still do some big things this year”. The coach praised quarterback Jalen Milroe’s improved decision-making and highlighted a defense that forced five turnovers against ULM. Penalty problem remains the Tide’s biggest self-inflicted wound Alabama has already been flagged 23 times for 215 yards—worst in the SEC through two games—continuing a trend that began in 2024. DeBoer said cutting down on procedural fouls will be an emphasis during this week’s practices. Injury updates: key starters trending toward return • WR Isaiah Bond (hamstring) practiced in a non-contact jersey Monday but is “probable” for Saturday’s showdown with No. 12 Florida State. • LB Deontae Lawson (ankle) remains day-to-day after missing the ULM game, according to Yahoo Sports. • OT Kadyn Proctor (concussion protocol) has cleared tests and is on track to start. The road ahead: season-defining stretch starts now Alabama’s next four games will shape its SEC and CFP fate: 1. vs Florida State – Sept 13, 2 p.m. CT, ABC 2. at Tennessee – Oct 18 (“Third Saturday in October”) 3. vs LSU – Nov 1, prime time 4. at Georgia – Nov 15, SEC crossover The official Alabama football schedule lists six ranked opponents in total this fall. A clean run would position the Tide for a return to Atlanta and a possible playoff berth. What Alabama must do to stay in the playoff hunt • Slash penalties to below five per game • Maintain a top-10 scoring defense (currently No. 6 nationally) • Establish ground dominance behind RB Jam Miller and an offensive line finally at full strength How to watch and stream Alabama vs Florida State Saturday’s non-conference clash kicks off at 2 p.m. CT on ABC; authenticated subscribers can stream via ESPN App. Tickets remain on sale through RollTide.com as of Thursday afternoon. Bottom line With Kalen DeBoer’s system settling in, the Crimson Tide can still chart a path to the SEC Championship and the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Cutting penalties and getting healthy are the final hurdles for a talent-rich roster that looked every bit the part of a contender in last week’s 73-0 statement win.