Journalist says this powerhouse program will be top challenger to Texas in SEC

Saban won six national titles during his time in Tuscaloosa, so a four-loss campaign and absence from the playoff, which was expanded to 12 teams for the first time last season, is not what fans expect out of the powerhouse program.

There is still a lot to like about the current Alabama roster under head coach Kalen DeBoer. Finebaum sees three key areas that can elevate the Crimson Tide back to the top to challenge the Longhorns for the SEC crown.

"I believe they are better at quarterback," Finebaum said. "And that sounds crazy with Ty Simpson against Jalen Milroe, who was amazing at times, but also terrible at times. I think they have elite wide receivers. They have probably the second-best wide receiver in the country in Ryan Williams. Their defense is gonna be top-notch and they also go to Georgia. The problem there is Georgia lost to Alabama, a little bit of a revenge game, but I think they manage the season very well."

DeBoer spoke at the 2025 SEC Kickoff on Wednesday and said Simpson would be the team's starter "if we play today." If that holds true, there is not a lot of film to go off of for Simpson.

He only appeared in six of the Crimson Tide's games last season, throwing no more than 10 passes in either game. While the lack of playing time, especially in big games, could prove to be challenging as the season gets underway, having a receiver like Williams should help. 

Williams had a breakout 2024 season with 48 catches for 865 yards and eight TDs, averaging 18 yards per catch. As for the defense that Finebaum pointed out, the Crimson Tide only allowed 18.3 points per game in 2024, which was tied for the ninth-fewest in FBS, per TeamRankings.

The talent is certainly there for Alabama to contend for the top spot in the SEC. The key is going to be how Simpson - assuming he is the starter when Week 1 rolls around - develops and performs, especially in tough road environments like the one he will see Sept. 27 at Georgia.