The Alabama Crimson Tide experienced a bit of a down year in 2024. Following Nick Saban's retirement and the addition of Kalen DeBoer, the Tide went 9-4, a record that was solid but not what Alabama is accustomed to. Year two, thanks to more recruits and the reunion of Ryan Grubb and DeBoer, should be better.
However, according to CBS Sports betting analyst Jimmie Kaylor, they won't be. They will either be the same or worse in 2025. Their over/under line is set at 9.5 wins, a line they failed to reach last season. Kaylor doesn't think they've improved enough to get over that hump in 2025.
"As usual, Alabama has NFL-caliber talent all over its roster. That said, the Tide will be replacing quarterback Jalen Milroe, so I expect there to be some growing pains for Alabama on the offensive side of the ball," Kaylor said. "If things go perfectly for head coach Kalen DeBoer in Year 2, Alabama will win 10 or 11 games. If not, this will likely be an eight or nine-win season for the Tide."
Things going perfectly almost never happens for any college football team, so a difficult schedule against a stacked conference with some new faces on offense doesn't bode well. There could be a slow start, one that makes it virtually impossible to get to 10 wins and back into national relevancy.