By Martha 
Here’s an informal version of the article:
Alabama’s head coach Kalen DeBoer just dropped some early thoughts on their season opener against Florida State—a matchup that’s already stirring up plenty of buzz. The game is a big deal, especially since it kicks off a challenging non-conference stretch for the Crimson Tide.
Florida State’s coming off a rough 2-10 season and is desperate to turn things around under head coach Mike Norvell, who’s in his second year after bagging a huge contract extension (thanks in part to Alabama’s interest). On the other side, Alabama picked DeBoer—formerly of Washington—as Nick Saban’s successor. After a 9-4 record last season, he now faces the challenge of replacing starting QB Jalen Milroe, who’s headed to the NFL.
DeBoer thinks that starting the season with a tough road game at Florida State followed by a home contest against Wisconsin is exactly what his team needs to get ready for SEC action. In his words, having a competitive schedule early on will really test the team and prepare them for what’s coming.
This game is extra special since it’s the first time Florida State and Alabama have squared off on the field since 2017. Plus, FSU is shaking things up with a bunch of new players like quarterback Thomas Castellanos, wide receiver Squirrel White, center Luke Petiton, defensive end James Williams, and linebacker Stefon Thompson.
Mark your calendars—the showdown is set for Saturday, August 30, and it’ll be the first game played in the newly renovated Doak Campbell Stadium.
Here’s a quick look at Florida State’s 2025 football schedule:
- Week 0: Bye week
- Week 1 (Aug 30): vs. Alabama (home opener)
- Week 2 (Sep 6): vs. East Texas A&M
- Week 3: Bye week
- Week 4 (Sep 20): vs. Kent State
- Week 5 (Sep 26): at Virginia
- Week 6 (Oct 4): vs. Miami
- Week 7 (Oct 11): vs. Pitt
- Week 8 (Oct 18): at Stanford
- Week 9: Bye week
- Week 10 (Nov 1): vs. Wake Forest
- Week 11 (Nov 8): at Clemson
- Week 12 (Nov 15): vs. Virginia Tech (home finale)
- Week 13 (Nov 21): at North Carolina State
- Week 14 (Nov 29): at Florida (regular-season finale)