Alabama football is primed for a strong season based on ESPN’s fresh 2025 College Football Power Index ratings released Tuesday.

Only Texas and Georgia rank ahead of the Crimson Tide in FPI. Behind Alabama are Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Miami and Tennessee rounding out the top 10.

FPI, as defined by ESPN, is “a predictive rating system that estimates each FBS team’s strength (in points per game relative to the national average) on offense, defense and special teams, making adjustments for starters lost, recruiting talent and other personnel changes.”

Kalen DeBoer is heading into his second season as coach of the Crimson Tide. Alabama finished 9-4 in 2024 and missed the College Football Playoff. But the Crimson Tide brings back most of its staff while adding veteran offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to the mix. The defense returns most of its starters, and the receiver group can make the argument for the country’s best.

Quarterback is the biggest question looming over Alabama. Ty Simpson enters the summer as the front-runner to replace Jalen Milroe as the starter.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for Follow him on X and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.