🏟️ Alabama vs. Florida State: 2025 Season Opener Preview
The 2025 college football season kicks off with a blockbuster matchup as the Alabama Crimson Tide face the Florida State Seminoles on August 30 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. This Week 1 clash is more than just a game—it’s a tone-setter for two programs looking to redefine their narratives.
Alabama enters Year 2 under head coach Kalen DeBoer, who’s eager to rebound from a rocky debut season that included surprising losses to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma. With Ty Simpson named starting quarterback, the Tide hopes to stabilize its offense. Simpson, a poised pocket passer with underrated athleticism, will be supported by a formidable offensive line and elite wide receiver Ryan Williams. But the real strength lies in Alabama’s defense, which returns four of its top five linemen and a stacked secondary, including Utah transfer Cam Calhoun.
Florida State, meanwhile, is coming off a disastrous 2–10 season—a stunning collapse after going undefeated the year before. Head coach Mike Norvell has retooled his roster via the transfer portal, bringing in former Boston College QB Thomas Castellanos and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. The Seminoles’ offensive line is almost entirely new, and their ability to gel quickly will be tested against Alabama’s relentless front seven.
The game is scheduled for 2:30 PM CT and will be broadcast nationally on ABC, with Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer, and Katie George on the call. Alabama is currently a 13.5-point favorite, and ESPN’s analytics give the Tide an 83% chance of victory.
This matchup marks the first leg of a home-and-home series, with Florida State visiting Tuscaloosa in 2026. For Alabama, it’s a chance to prove that the DeBoer era is ready to contend. For Florida State, it’s a shot at redemption and a chance to silence doubters.
📺 Watch live and get full coverage on ESPN’s game page.