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Title: 5 Coaches Leave Alabama Football Off Final Top 25 Coaches Poll

In a surprising and somewhat controversial move, five coaches left Alabama off their final Top 25 Coaches Poll ballot, sending shockwaves through the college football community. While Alabama football has been one of the most successful programs in the history of college football under head coach Nick Saban, this omission from the prestigious poll left many wondering about the factors at play. This essay will explore the implications of this decision, analyze the reasons behind the exclusion, and discuss the broader context of Alabama’s standing in college football.

Introduction

Every year, the final Coaches Poll ranks the top 25 college football teams based on performance throughout the season. Typically, Alabama is a staple in the top 10, if not the top 5, due to its success under Nick Saban, consistent recruiting, and competitive play in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). However, the 2025 Coaches Poll saw five coaches leave Alabama out of their final ballots entirely, an occurrence that raised questions among analysts, fans, and experts alike.

Alabama’s 2024 Season Recap

To understand why Alabama was left off some ballots, it is crucial to examine the team’s performance during the 2024 season. The Crimson Tide had a season that was widely considered a “down year” by their lofty standards. Although they finished the regular season with a solid record, several losses, including one to arch-rivals Auburn in the Iron Bowl, caused skepticism about their overall performance.

Their defense, typically a hallmark of Saban’s teams, showed signs of vulnerability in key moments. The offense, while talented, struggled with consistency, particularly in the quarterback position, where a new starter had to adjust to the spotlight. Additionally, their lack of a strong, elite win over a top-tier opponent may have contributed to their exclusion from some ballots.

The final stretch of the season also saw Alabama fail to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) after their loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship game, which further muddied their postseason prospects. While the team remained competitive, it became apparent that they were not at the same level as previous championship-caliber Alabama teams.

The Coaches’ Perspective

For the five coaches who left Alabama off their final Top 25 ballots, their decision likely came from a combination of factors. The Coaches Poll is a subjective ranking, and each coach has his own priorities when determining rankings. For some, the overall strength of a team’s schedule, quality of wins, and consistency throughout the season weigh heavily in their assessments.

In Alabama’s case, the coaches who omitted them might have been influenced by several key points:

1. Quality of Wins: The Crimson Tide’s victories in 2024 were mostly against teams with average records. Their most impressive win was against Ole Miss, but many of their wins came against teams with losing records, which could have led these coaches to question Alabama’s true strength.
2. Inconsistency and Injuries: Alabama was plagued by injuries throughout the season, especially at key positions. When the team struggled, particularly in games like the loss to Auburn, these issues became more glaring. Alabama’s vulnerability in these moments may have influenced how some coaches viewed them.
3. Other Contenders: With teams like Michigan, Washington, and Florida State emerging as legitimate contenders, these coaches might have viewed Alabama as less deserving of a Top 25 spot compared to the more dominant programs. Michigan, for example, finished the season undefeated and with impressive victories in key games.
4. Change in Perception of Alabama’s Dominance: For many years, Alabama has been synonymous with dominance, but the 2024 season marked a shift in how some coaches view the program. While Nick Saban is still regarded as one of the best coaches in college football, the team’s performance this season might have led some to feel that Alabama’s reign as an automatic top contender has started to falter, especially with new challengers on the rise.

Impact on Alabama’s Legacy

The exclusion of Alabama from some coaches’ final Top 25 ballots has broader implications for the program’s reputation and legacy. Alabama’s consistent excellence over the past two decades has made it an institution that is expected to perform at the highest level year in and year out. A perceived dip in performance, even if slight, might contribute to a narrative that the Tide is no longer the overwhelming force they once were.

However, it is important to note that this exclusion does not mean the end of Alabama’s dominance. The program remains one of the wealthiest and most storied in the sport, with an elite recruiting pipeline and a fan base that demands excellence. While the 2024 season may have been a step back in comparison to previous years, Alabama’s presence at the top of college football is likely to remain.

Nick Saban’s ability to rebound from a “down” year should not be underestimated. Historically, the coach has proven time and again that his ability to reload and adjust to changes, both in terms of roster and strategy, is unmatched. Alabama’s place in the 2025 season will depend on how well they can address the weaknesses of 2024 and return to their dominant form.