When the College Football Playoff selection committee unveiled its third 2025 rankings on , the Alabama Crimson Tide found themselves at No. 10 — a drop that sent shockwaves through Tuscaloosa and beyond. The fall came after a 31-28 home loss to the Oklahoma Sooners in Week 12, a game that didn’t just cost Alabama a win — it cost them momentum, perception, and a shot at the top half of the bracket. The loss, sealed by a late Oklahoma field goal in front of a stunned Bryant-Denny Stadium crowd, was the kind of game fans thought Alabama had outgrown — the kind that used to define eras, not end them.
Why Oklahoma Beat Alabama in the Rankings — Even With the Same Record
The committee didn’t just rank Oklahoma higher because they won. They ranked them higher because, in the modern playoff calculus, head-to-head results are king. Both teams finished the regular season 8-2. Both had strong schedules. But Oklahoma’s win in Tuscaloosa was the tiebreaker the committee refused to ignore. "It’s not about resume, it’s about who you beat," said Rece Davis during ESPN’s live broadcast. "Alabama still has one loss in the SEC. That matters. Oklahoma beat them on their own turf. That’s the difference." Even more telling: Notre Dame (8-2) slipped in at No. 9, ahead of Alabama, despite never playing either team. The committee cited Notre Dame’s strength of schedule — wins over ranked opponents like Clemson and Stanford — as justification. Meanwhile, BYU (9-1), the only one-loss team outside the top 10, was left out entirely. The message? Wins don’t always matter if they come against weaker competition.The Playoff Path: A Narrow Door Still Ajar
Under the current 12-team structure, No. 10 means Alabama gets a home game — but not the kind they want. They’ll host the Oregon Ducks (8-2) on December 20, 2025, at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Win that, and they face the Indiana Hoosiers (10-0) in the quarterfinals — likely on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. Lose, and their season ends in a pile of confetti and regret. "They’re not out," said Greg McElroy, former Alabama QB turned analyst. "But they’re on the edge. One slip against Oregon, and you’re watching the rest of the playoffs from your couch. No one’s giving them a pass anymore." The committee’s decision to keep Alabama in the field — even at No. 10 — suggests they still respect the Crimson Tide’s historical strength and SEC pedigree. But that respect has limits. The same committee that once gave Alabama automatic top-four seeding now treats them like any other contender. And in 2025, that’s a new reality.
SEC Championship Hopes Still Alive — But Tenuous
Alabama still has a path to the SEC Championship Game on . They’re currently tied for second in the conference at 5-1, one game behind Georgia (6-1) and Texas A&M (6-1). But here’s the catch: if either Georgia or Texas A&M wins their final two games, Alabama can’t catch them. That means the Crimson Tide must win out — and hope for upsets. Their final two games? A road trip to Nashville to face Vanderbilt (8-2), followed by a home finale against Auburn. Both are winnable — but neither is easy. Vanderbilt, ranked No. 14, is playing with house money. Auburn? They’ve beaten three ranked teams this year. A loss to either, and Alabama’s season ends with a whimper — not a bang.What the Numbers Don’t Show: The Psychological Toll
Behind the stats and rankings is something harder to measure: morale. Alabama’s defense, once the envy of college football, gave up 31 points at home to an Oklahoma offense that had been struggling. Their quarterback, freshman phenom Jalen Carter (not to be confused with the former defensive lineman), threw two interceptions in the red zone. The offensive line, a strength all season, got pushed around in the fourth quarter. "You can’t fake confidence," said Joey Galloway during the broadcast. "This team looked like they expected to win. They didn’t look like they expected to win big. That’s the difference between a contender and a team that’s just hanging on." The fan base, once unshakable, is now divided. Social media exploded after the game — some calling for head coach Kalen DeBoer to be fired, others urging patience. The truth? This team is in transition. The era of Nick Saban is over. The next chapter hasn’t been written yet.
What’s Next? The Final Week of Drama
The final rankings drop on . Until then, every game matters. Oregon plays Oregon State in the Civil War. Indiana faces Purdue. Georgia plays Georgia Tech. A single upset could shuffle the entire bracket. For Alabama, the message is simple: beat Oregon. Win the SEC. Or go home early. There’s no middle ground anymore.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Oklahoma ranked higher than Alabama despite both being 8-2?
The College Football Playoff selection committee prioritizes head-to-head results above all else. Oklahoma defeated Alabama 31-28 in Tuscaloosa on November 15, 2025 — a win that gave them the tiebreaker despite identical records. The committee also factored in Oklahoma’s stronger non-conference schedule, including a win over then-No. 12 West Virginia, which Alabama lacked.
Can Alabama still make the SEC Championship Game?
Yes — but only if they win their final two games against Vanderbilt and Auburn, and if both Georgia and Texas A&M lose at least one of their remaining games. Even then, Alabama would need a tiebreaker over another 6-2 team, which is unlikely unless Georgia or Texas A&M suffers an upset. Their path is mathematically possible but statistically improbable.
Who is Alabama’s potential opponent in the first round of the playoff?
If the current rankings hold, Alabama will host the Oregon Ducks (8-2) on December 20, 2025, at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Oregon, coming off a win over Oregon State, has a slightly better strength of schedule than Alabama, but their offense has been inconsistent — making them a dangerous but beatable opponent.
Why was BYU (9-1) left out of the playoff despite having fewer losses?
The committee views Group of Five teams like BYU as having weaker schedules. Their best win came against San Diego State (ranked No. 27), and they avoided all Power Five opponents. Alabama and Oklahoma, despite their losses, played five teams ranked in the top 15 — a factor the committee weighed heavily. BYU was the first team out, with Tulane (8-2) named the fifth-highest ranked conference champion.
What does this mean for Alabama’s recruiting and coaching future?
A failure to reach the playoff could trigger scrutiny of head coach Kalen DeBoer’s ability to lead Alabama in the post-Saban era. While his offensive schemes have been praised, his defense has struggled against elite offenses. Recruiting momentum may slow if the team misses the playoff for the second straight year — a first since 2007. The 2026 class, already strong, could be pivotal in determining whether this is a temporary setback or a longer decline.
When will the final playoff bracket be announced?
The final College Football Playoff bracket will be announced on , during ESPN’s live selection show. The committee will consider all remaining regular-season games, conference championship results, and final strength-of-schedule metrics before locking in the 12-team field.
