When LSU beat Clemson football in the CFP title game, Avieon Terrell watched from the stands. He is excited and prepared to be on the field this time.

Both teams are hopeful to reach the College Football Playoff, so this presents the chance for an early season résumé builder. During an appearance on SportsCenter, ESPN’s Heather Dinich outlined what’s at stake for each team going into the massive showdown.

The time has arrived. Alabama football officially begins the 2025 season this week. The Crimson Tide opens things up against Florida State on the road Saturday (2:30 p.m. CT, ABC) at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. Although a win would start the 2025 campaign strong, this non-conference game won’t define Alabama’s season.

No. 2 Georgia and the 42-13 road thrashing of then-No. 14 LSU were impressive, Nick Saban-esque moments. The losses to unranked conference opponents Vanderbilt and Oklahoma were decidedly not. Those slip-ups,

The 2025 college football season opens strong on Aug. 30 with three blockbuster matchups. No. 3 Ohio State/No. 1 Texas kicks things off at noon, while No. 8 Alabama/Florida State fills in at 3:30 and No.

Here's what the Crimson Tide's athletics director had to say about the SEC's move to a nine-game conference football schedule.