By Mmesoma 
As the 2025 college football season nears, two of the SEC’s most storied programs — Alabama and Auburn — are moving in drastically different directions. Once united in prestige and power, the fierce in-state rivals now stand on opposite ends of the college football spectrum. The Crimson Tide are surging with momentum and optimism under head coach Kalen DeBoer, while the Auburn Tigers are scrambling to steady themselves amid internal turmoil and external doubt.
Alabama’s Steady Ascent Under DeBoer
Alabama fans had their doubts after the departure of Nick Saban in 2023, but those fears are quickly being replaced by cautious confidence. Head coach Kalen DeBoer, now entering his second full season, has methodically rebuilt the Tide with a modern vision and clear direction.
This offseason, Alabama made headlines with its sharp, focused spring practices. Quarterback Dylan Lonergan has emerged as the clear leader under center, showing advanced command of Ryan Grubb’s offense and drawing praise from coaches and scouts alike. The return of explosive talents like Justice Haynes, Kendrick Law, and Caleb Downs only adds to Alabama’s growing arsenal.
But the real story might be on defense. The Tide brought in key transfers to shore up the front seven, while linebacker Jihaad Campbell and edge rusher Keon Keeley are expected to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack has instilled a fast, aggressive identity that harkens back to Alabama’s dominant years.
With a top-three recruiting class lined up for 2025 — including five-star talents like WR Zion Ricks and DE Camden Rojas — the Crimson Tide look poised to reclaim their position among college football’s elite.
Auburn Facing Uncertainty and Pressure
On the other side of the state, the Auburn Tigers are weathering a storm that shows no sign of clearing. After a disappointing 6–7 season that ended in a lopsided Gasparilla Bowl loss, head coach Hugh Freeze faces mounting pressure to right the ship — and fast.
What was supposed to be a breakout year for quarterback Walker White turned into a lesson in growing pains, inconsistency, and missed opportunities. Reports from spring camp indicate that the offense is still searching for rhythm, while the defense has struggled to fill gaps left by offseason departures.
Even more concerning, the Tigers have suffered several high-profile decommitments in recent weeks, including four-star wide receiver Darion Blake and linebacker Quentin Lowry, who cited “instability within the program” as a major factor.
Off the field, Auburn has experienced a wave of assistant coaching turnover. The departure of offensive line coach Jake Thornton and wide receivers coach Marcus Davis has disrupted recruiting momentum, leading to questions about Freeze’s long-term plan and whether the program’s trajectory is sustainable.
“There’s no denying it — we’ve got to be better,” Freeze admitted in a recent interview. “Auburn is a place of expectations. We’re not meeting them yet, but we’re not backing down from them either.”
A State Divided: Iron Bowl on the Horizon
As the November 29 Iron Bowl looms, the contrast between the two programs couldn’t be starker. Alabama will likely enter the season as a legitimate playoff contender, boasting a reloaded roster, strong leadership, and top-tier coaching. Auburn, meanwhile, faces a brutal schedule and mounting skepticism about the future of its program.
While college football is full of surprises, the momentum gap between the two sides of the Iron Bowl rivalry hasn’t been this wide in years. For now, the Crimson Tide are rising with renewed purpose, while the Tigers must find a way to stop the tumble — or risk being left behind in the ever-evolving SEC landscape.
One thing remains certain: in the state of Alabama, football isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life. And right now, that life feels very different in Tuscaloosa and Auburn.