In Nick Saban's final four seasons as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, he lost a total of six games and won three SEC championships. After Saban stepped down following the 2023 campaign, former Washington Huskies coach Kalen Deboer replaced the Alabama legend, but the results weren't as favorable in 2024. Alabama finished 9-4, capped off by a 19-13 loss to the Michigan Wolverines as 16.5-point favorites in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
CFB Win Total Preview: Alabama Crimson Tide originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
In Nick Saban's final four seasons as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, he lost a total of six games and won three SEC championships.
After Saban stepped down following the 2023 campaign, former Washington Huskies coach Kalen Deboer replaced the Alabama legend, but the results weren't as favorable in 2024.
Alabama finished 9-4, capped off by a 19-13 loss to the Michigan Wolverines as 16.5-point favorites in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Deboer can definitely receive a mulligan for his first season, one year after leading Washington to the National Championship game.
Anything short of an appearance in the SEC championship may not quiet the fans of Alabama, who lost at Vanderbilt and Oklahoma last season as at least two-touchdown favorites.
Preseason All-SEC Team 🙌
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) July 18, 2025
🔗: https://t.co/jz4evGoSdF#RollTidepic.twitter.com/kKOsdgt6RY
Quarterback Jalen Milroe struggled towards the end of last season, throwing five interceptions in the final three games. Milroe scored 20 rushing touchdowns but has moved on from Tuscaloosa to the Seattle Seahawks as a third-round NFL draft pick in April.
Junior Ty Simpson threw for 167 yards last season but looks to be the man under center this season for Alabama. Simpson has been with the program for several seasons, sitting behind Milroe and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young before getting elevated to the 2025 starting quarterback.
Last season, Alabama finished 7-0 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, pushing their home mark to 65-3 since 2015.
It was the road that was a major issue in Deboer's first campaign, winning twice away from Tuscaloosa in five games. The Tide went 1-3 on the road in SEC play, with the lone victory coming at LSU last November, 42-13.
At DraftKings, the win total is set at 9.5 this season. The Over is the favorite at -125 (Lay $125 to win $100), while the Under is +105.
WIN TOTAL PREDICTION
If Simpson is the real deal, this Tide squad should be able to reach 10 wins this season.
Alabama begins the season in Tallahassee against a rebuilding Florida State squad, followed by consecutive home games against UL-Monroe and Wisconsin.
The biggest test comes after the bye week in Athens against the rival Georgia Bulldogs, who Alabama beat at home last season, 41-34.
The Tide hosts Vanderbilt and Oklahoma in revenge spots from losses last season, while Tennessee and LSU also invade Tuscaloosa.
Besides traveling to Georgia, the Tide heads to Missouri, South Carolina, and Auburn and should win at least two of those three games.
Best Bet: Alabama Over 9.5 wins (-125)
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
