Alabama’s Week 1 stumble against Florida State reshaped the national perception of the Crimson Tide in the post-Saban era. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit and Rece Davis made it clear on Monday that Alabama no longer deserves a Top 25 ranking.
Davis openly asked where the Tide sit after the opener, but didn't hold back in his own assessment. “I didn’t rank them this week,” he said. Herbstreit backed him up, noting that the loss was about Alabama’s failure to look like a contender. “I think that’s fair,” Herbstreit added. “I don’t think they should be ranked after that performance.”
After Alabama’s loss to FSU on Saturday, ESPN’s Rece Davis says he doesn’t have the Tide in his AP ballot.
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) September 2, 2025
“I didn’t rank them this week.”
Kirk Herbstreit agrees, saying “I think that’s fair. I don’t think they should be ranked after that performance.” pic.twitter.com/QlE3XU5byC
It’s a stunning development for a program that entered the 2025 season ranked No. 8 and carrying postseason expectations under second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer. But Alabama looked undisciplined and uninspired behind Ty Simpson, and defensive breakdowns against Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos.
Alabama slid to No. 21 in the latest AP poll. The program’s lowest spot in 15 years, which feels like a seismic shift. With Ohio State, Texas, and LSU looking toward a potential playoff spot, Alabama no longer commands automatic respect like they did under Nick Saban.
DeBoer took accountability for the loss, stressing that “these aren’t learning moments anymore." Alabama is still talented, but it’s no longer untouchable. Until the Tide prove otherwise, the dynasty’s place among the elite is on pause.
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