Connor O’Gara Makes the Case Against Alabama as a Preseason Top-10 Team in 2025

Connor O’Gara Makes the Case Against Alabama as a Preseason Top-10 Team in 2025

 

As the college football world begins to look ahead to the 2025 season, one team that’s sure to be in the mix for a national championship is the Alabama Crimson Tide. But is Alabama truly deserving of a preseason top-10 ranking? Our guy Connor O’Gara says no, and he’s here to tell you why.

 

First and foremost, O’Gara points to Alabama’s lack of experience on the defensive side of the ball. The Crimson Tide are set to lose several key contributors from last year’s team, including defensive linemen Will Anderson and Phidarian Mathis, as well as defensive backs Jordan Battle and Jalyn Armour-Davis.

 

“That’s a lot of talent and experience to replace, especially in the trenches,” O’Gara said. “Alabama’s defense has been the backbone of the program for years, but I’m not convinced they have the depth and talent to maintain that level of excellence in 2025.”

 

Another concern for O’Gara is the uncertainty surrounding Alabama’s quarterback situation. With Bryce Young departing for the NFL, the Crimson Tide will have to rely on either Jalen Milroe or Ty Simpson to lead the offense.

 

“Both Milroe and Simpson have shown flashes of brilliance, but they’re still unproven commodities,” O’Gara said. “Can they consistently perform at a high level against the best teams in the country? I’m not so sure.”

 

O’Gara also points to Alabama’s schedule as a reason to be skeptical about their preseason ranking. The Crimson Tide face a brutal slate of games, including matchups against Clemson, Georgia, and LSU.

 

“That’s a gauntlet of a schedule, and I’m not convinced Alabama has the depth and talent to navigate it successfully,” O’Gara said. “They’re going to have to be nearly perfect to make it through that schedule unscathed.”

 

Finally, O’Gara notes that Alabama’s preseason ranking is often based on their reputation and history of success, rather than their actual talent and experience.

 

“Alabama is always going to get the benefit of the doubt from voters and pundits, but I think that’s unfair to the other teams in the country,” O’Gara said. “Just because Alabama has been good in the past doesn’t mean they’re automatically going to be good in 2025. They need to prove it on the field.”

 

Of course, not everyone agrees with O’Gara’s assessment. Many experts and fans believe that Alabama has the talent and depth to overcome their losses and make another deep run in the playoffs.

 

“Alabama is always going to be Alabama,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “They’re going to have talented players, they’re going to have great coaching, and they’re going to be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. I think they’re a top-5 team in the country, easy.”

 

But O’Gara remains unconvinced. He believes that Alabama’s lack of experience, uncertainty at quarterback, and brutal schedule make them a risky bet to be a top-10 team in 2025.

 

“I’m not saying Alabama can’t be a good team,” O’Gara said. “I’m just saying they’re not a slam dunk to be a top-10 team. They need to prove it on the field, and until they do, I’m going to remain skeptical.”

 

_Related Stories_

 

– Alabama’s 2025 Schedule: A Gauntlet of Games

– The Uncertainty Surrounding Alabama’s Quarterback Situation

– Can Alabama Overcome Their Losses and Make Another Deep Run in the Playoffs?

 

_Video Highlights_

 

– Watch Connor O’Gara’s Debate with Kirk Herbstreit on Alabama’s Preseason Ranking

– See the Reaction of Alabama Fans to O’Gara’s Comments

 

_Photo Gallery_

 

– View Photos of Alabama’s 2024 Season

– See Photos of the Crimson Tide’s New Recruits and Transfers