Alabama and LSU both wrapped up their 2024 seasons with a 9-4 record, but the road ahead looks rocky for these storied programs. For Alabama, this marks a significant shift; the Crimson Tide had not lost four games in a season since Nick Saban’s inaugural year in 2007. Meanwhile, LSU has faced a similar struggle, having lost four or more games in five of the last eight seasons. With such disappointing outcomes, the pressure is mounting on coaches Kalen DeBoer and Brian Kelly as they gear up for the 2025 college football season. Can they turn things around?
Pressure mounts for Alabama and LSU
As both teams head into the 2025 season, they find themselves in a precarious position. Fans and analysts alike are questioning their potential. Do you believe in the Crimson Tide? What about the Tigers? The opinions are mixed, and both teams are being labeled as boom-or-bust contenders for the upcoming season. With such high stakes, the pressure to perform has never been greater.
Sporting News recently released its Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2024, which sparked discussions across various platforms. We took a closer look at how different publications ranked these teams, including 247Sports, Action Network, Athlon, The Athletic, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, Yahoo Sports, and On3.com.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Composite rank: No. 9. The Crimson Tide’s rankings varied significantly, peaking at No. 3 (USA Today) and dipping to No. 23 (Action Network), showcasing a variance of 20 spots.
Lowdown: Sporting News has Alabama positioned at No. 8, aligning closely with the composite rank. In Year 2, DeBoer faces the daunting task of guiding Alabama back to the College Football Playoff. Ty Simpson is set to take the reins as quarterback, supported by a stellar receiving corps featuring Ryan Williams, Gemie Bernard, and Miami transfer Isaiah Horton, who racked up 616 yards and five touchdowns last season. The defense is also looking strong, returning several key players, including Tim Keenan, from a unit that allowed just 17.4 points per game. The opening month of the season presents a challenging slate with matchups against Florida State (Aug. 30), Wisconsin (Sept. 13), and a road trip to Georgia (Sept. 27). Just imagine if Alabama were to stumble in two of those games!
LSU Tigers
Composite rank: No. 8. The Tigers’ rankings varied widely, with a high of No. 4 (The Athletic) and a low of No. 22 (Yahoo Sports), resulting in an 18-spot variance.
Lowdown: Sporting News places LSU at No. 9, reflecting the mixed performance during Kelly’s third season. Will Year 4 bring a turnaround? Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is back, and the Tigers have made headlines with the top transfer portal haul according to 247Sports. Notably, linebacker Whit Weeks returns to bolster a defense that allowed 24.3 points per game. The season opener against Clemson (Aug. 30) is crucial, as Kelly aims to end a streak of five consecutive opening-game losses. With a loaded SEC schedule ahead, the pressure is palpable.
Other boom-or-bust teams to watch
While Alabama and LSU are grabbing headlines, they aren’t the only teams facing a make-or-break season. We identified five schools that could either dominate their Power 4 conferences or falter with four or more losses.
Miami Hurricanes
Composite rank: No. 11. Miami’s rankings ranged from a high of No. 3 (CBS Sports) to a low of No. 23 (ESPN), marking a variance of 20 spots.
Lowdown: Sporting News ranks Miami at No. 10. Last season, the Hurricanes found themselves straddling the boom-or-bust line, winning 10 games but losing three of their last four. What’s next for Mario Cristobal? Miami was active in the transfer portal, landing Georgia quarterback Carson Beck as a key addition. Will Beck shine in the ACC? Early home games against Notre Dame (Aug. 30) and Florida (Sept. 20) are toss-ups, making Miami a team to watch.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Composite rank: No. 14. Illinois saw a range in rankings from No. 7 (On3.com) to No. 24 (247Sports.com), resulting in a 17-spot variance.
Lowdown: Sporting News has Illinois at No. 13, reflecting their solid return from a 10-win season. Coach Bret Bielema has reason to keep an eye on the top 25 polls. The Illini return a wealth of talent, including quarterback Luke Altmyer, leading rushers Josh McCray and Aidan Loughery, and a seasoned offensive line. The defense also welcomes back Gabe Jacas and Matthew Bailey. Key matchups against USC (Sept. 27) and Ohio State (Oct. 11) will be pivotal, especially after a strong home record of 6-1 last season.
BYU Cougars
Composite rank: No. 16. BYU’s rankings fluctuated from a high of No. 9 (ESPN) to being unranked by 247Sports.com, showcasing a variance of at least 17 spots.
Lowdown: Sporting News places BYU at No. 16, right in line with the composite rank. The Cougars are the second-highest ranked team in the Big 12. With quarterback Jake Retzlaff and running back LJ Martin returning, they scored an impressive 31.2 points per game last season. The defense is also looking to build on its success with returning linebackers Isaiah Glasker and Harrison Taggart. After starting 9-0 and winning 11 games in 2024, BYU is expected to be a contender, but their non-conference schedule against Portland State, Stanford, and East Carolina will be closely scrutinized.
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher for these teams. With the potential for both triumph and disappointment, fans will be eagerly watching to see who rises to the occasion and who falls short. Will Alabama and LSU reclaim their dominance, or will they continue to struggle? Only time will tell!