Alabama opens at Florida State

Saturday features the highly anticipated Week 1 clash between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida State Seminoles. The game is, set for Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 PM CDT, and the game will be nationally televised on ABC.

Game Context

This matchup is more than just a season opener—it’s a litmus test for two storied programs heading into 2025 with very different trajectories:

• Alabama enters ranked No. 8, looking to rebound from a 9–4 season that fell short of their usual championship standards.

• Florida State, coming off a disastrous 2–10 campaign, has undergone a complete overhaul, including new coordinators and over 50 new players.

Alabama: Reloaded and Ready

Head Coach: Kalen DeBoer is entering Year 2 and is hoping to improve on last year's disappointing 9 and 4 outing where Bama missed the first twelve team playoff.

Key Players:

• Ty Simpson, QB – Making his first career start after four years as a backup

• Ryan Williams, WR – Sophomore phenom with 846 receiving yards and 8 TDs in 2024

• Jam Miller, RB – Reportedly out for this game due to injury

Strengths:

• A deep and disciplined defense that allowed just 17.4 points per game last season

• Explosive offensive potential, especially with Williams as Simpson’s go-to target

Concerns:

• Simpson’s inexperience under center and there are questions about whether or not he has the skills to lead the Tide at the level that previous Tide Quarterbacks have.

• Adjusting to crowd noise in a hostile Tallahassee environment—Alabama has been practicing with artificial noise to prepare

Florida State: Redemption or Repeat?

Head Coach: Mike Norvell is eager to prove that last year's debacle was the aberration and not the 13 and 0 2023 regular season.

Key Additions:

• Gus Malzahn debuts as FSU's Offensive Coordinator. He hopes to bring tempo and creativity to the FSU offense.

• Tony White, Defensive Coordinator – Known for aggressive schemes

Key Players:

• Tommy Castellanos, QB – Transfer expected to lead the offense

• Jeremiah Wilson, CB – Will likely be tasked with containing Ryan Williams

Strengths:

• Revamped coaching staff and energized roster

• Home-field advantage in a newly renovated stadium

Concerns:

• Lack of continuity and chemistry

• Loss of key defensive back Conrad Hussey just weeks before kickoff

Matchup to Watch

Ryan Williams vs. Jeremiah Wilson

This WR–CB battle could define the game. Williams is a breakout star, and Wilson will need to be at his best to prevent explosive plays.

Odds & Prediction

• Spread: Alabama -13.5

• Over/Under: 50.5 points

Prediction:

Most analysts expect Alabama to win, with early projections calling for a 34–17 Crimson Tide victory. But if Florida State can capitalize on home momentum and force Simpson into early mistakes, an upset isn’t out of the question.

Spotlight Coverage

CBS Sports HQ will be broadcasting College Football Pregame live from Tallahassee, adding even more national attention to this showdown.

This game isn’t just about rankings—it’s about identity. Will Alabama reassert its dominance, or will Florida State prove that 2024 was just a fluke? Either way, it’s going to be electric.