When Alabama lost to Florida State in its season opener, many wondered whether the Crimson Tide would be headed for a coaching change at the end of the year, not a playoff berth.
From that point on, something seemed to shift for Kalen DeBoer's team. Alabama morphed back into a powerhouse, at least until a tough loss to Oklahoma again put the team's playoff hopes in jeopardy.
After earning a spot in the SEC championship game, however, the Tide are headed to their first 12-team playoff, looking to avenge what they believed was an unfair exclusion from last year's bracket and get back to winning championships in the post-Nick Saban era.
Here's a complete guide to Alabama's first College Football Playoff matchup and the full bracket.
MORE: Explaining Notre Dame's higher ranking over Miami in CFP
College Football Playoff bracket
This section will be updated when the bracket is revealed.
MORE: Where will CFP games be played this year?
Who will Alabama play next?
Alabama's first round opponent for the College Football Playoff will be determined by Sunday's bracket reveal.
MORE: 5 things to know about College Football Playoff format
When does Alabama play again?
Alabama will start its College Football Playoff journey on either Friday, Dec. 19 or Saturday, Dec. 20.
College Football Playoff schedule 2025
| Date | Round | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| Dec. 19 | First Round | TBD vs. TBD | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
| Dec. 20 | First Round | TBD vs. TBD | Noon | ABC/ESPN |
| Dec. 20 | First Round | TBD vs. TBD | 3:30 p.m. | TNT/truTV |
| Dec. 20 | First Round | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | TNT/truTV |
| Dec. 31 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. TBD | 12 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. TBD | 4 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. TBD | 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 8 | Semifinals | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 9 | Semifinals | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 19 | National Championship | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |