Tag: college football picks Alabama

Alabama to Win the SEC in 2025

Current SEC Championship Odds (+380): Alabama’s +380 odds to win the SEC

We like Alabama’s to rebound from a (down) 9-4 season in 2024, bolstered by a strong recruiting class, roster retention, and a favorable schedule. The implied probability of +380 odds is approximately 20.83%, suggesting a significant chance to compete for the SEC title.

Returning Starters and Roster Continuity: Alabama returns 15 starters for the 2025 season, with seven on offense and eight on defense, providing a solid foundation of experience. The team retains 64% of its 2024 production (59% offense, 69% defense), which is above average for Power Four programs.

Key returning players include:

Offense: Wide receiver Ryan Williams, a freshman All-American in 2024, is a dynamic playmaker expected to lead the receiving corps, ranked No. 3 nationally by CBS Sports. Offensive linemen Kadyn Proctor, Parker Brailsford, and Jaeden Roberts return, forming a robust unit that allowed just 15 sacks in 2024, one of the best marks in the SEC. Running back Jam Miller is also back to anchor the ground game.

Defense: The defense, which ranked 10th nationally in points allowed per game in 2024, returns key contributors like lineman Tim Keenan III, linebacker Deontae Lawson, and defensive backs Domani Jackson, Zabien Brown, Bray Hubbard, and Keon Sabb. We rank Alabama’s secondary as the second-best in the nation, a necessity against SEC passing attacks.

Transfer Additions to Improve the Roster: Alabama addressed roster gaps through the transfer portal, particularly on offense, to complement their No. 3-ranked 2025 recruiting class. Notable transfers include:

Isaiah Horton (WR, Miami): Adds depth and experience to the receiving corps, enhancing the passing game alongside Ryan Williams.

Dre Washington (RB, Texas A&M): Bolsters the running back room, providing versatility and depth behind Jam Miller.

Kam Dewberry (OL, Texas A&M): A potential starter at left guard, Dewberry brings SEC experience and strengthens the offensive line, despite a minor weight loss of 13 pounds since spring (still up two pounds from his Texas A&M days)

These transfers, combined with the retention of all scholarship players during the spring transfer portal window (a feat unmatched by any other SEC team), indicate strong roster stability and depth.

Quarterback Situation: The quarterback position, a critical question mark after Jalen Milroe’s departure to the NFL, is expected to be led by Ty Simpson, a former five-star recruit with 16 games of experience (no starts) and 167 passing yards in 2024. Simpson is competing with transfer Austin Mack (from Washington, familiar with DeBoer’s system) and five-star freshman Keelon Russell, the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2025 class. Analysts suggest Simpson’s seniority gives him the edge, but Russell’s potential could see him earn reps if Alabama builds big leads. The reunion of DeBoer with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who previously worked with him at Washington, should optimize the offense for a new quarterback and overall offensive cohesiveness.

Schedule and Win Total Projections: Alabama’s 2025 schedule is challenging but manageable, with a win total set at 9.5 (over -125, under +105). Key games include a season-opening road trip to Florida State, a critical Week 5 clash at Georgia, and home games against Tennessee, LSU, and Oklahoma. Road games at Missouri, South Carolina, and Auburn are winnable, with Alabama losing only one home game at Saban Field since 2022.A win against Georgia on September 27 could be a defining moment, potentially propelling Alabama to the SEC Championship.

Kalen DeBoer’s Preparation in Year Two: Kalen DeBoer, entering his second season at Alabama, is better positioned to succeed after navigating the challenges of replacing Nick Saban in 2024. His debut season resulted in a 9-4 record, including wins over Georgia (41-34), LSU (42-13), and Missouri (34-0), but losses to Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

DeBoer’s experience at Washington (25-3 over two seasons, including a 2023 CFP National Championship Game appearance) and his 113-16 career head coaching record demonstrate his ability to build winning programs. With a year in Tuscaloosa, DeBoer has adapted to Alabama’s high expectations, bolstered by an 82.2% increase in recruiting spending (nearly $5.3 million in 2024) and a top-tier NIL infrastructure, which helped secure the No. 3 recruiting class and retain all scholarship players.

His reunion with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, whose system led Washington to rank first nationally in passing (369.8 ypg) in 2022, should enhance offensive consistency.

Statistical Support:

+1.5 yard per play differential

7-0 at home with an average margin of victory of +27.3PPG

Opponents Red Zone score % 78.3% (28th)

Opponents 3^rd Down conversion % 33.33% (15th)

18.3PPG allowed (9^th)

Conclusion: Alabama’s +380 odds to win the SEC are supported by a robust returning core (15 starters, 64% production), strategic transfer additions (Horton, Washington, Dewberry), and a top-three recruiting class. The defense, with a top-tier secondary and returning stars like Lawson and Keenan, should remain elite, while the offense is poised for improvement under DeBoer and Grubb, even with uncertainty at quarterback. DeBoer’s year of experience at Alabama, combined with his proven track record and increased recruiting resources, positions this team to get to the SEC Championship game.