In 2024, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer had a smooth start to his tenure with two non-conference matchups against non-Power Four teams, Western Kentucky and South Florida. The Crimson Tide gained momentum with dominant wins, but 2025 will present a tougher challenge as they open the season on the road against Florida State.
With more than seven months until kickoff, a Florida State player has already started the trash talk.
“I’m ready to dominate Alabama,” said Seminoles defensive lineman James Williams.
Williams, a transfer from Nebraska, spent just one season with the Cornhuskers. In 2024, he recorded 18 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks, helping Nebraska reach a bowl game for the first time in almost a decade.
Last season’s Nebraska defensive coordinator, Tony White, was hired by Florida State in the offseason, leading several Cornhuskers players, including Williams, to follow him to Tallahassee.
Florida State brought in the No. 7 transfer portal class, according to 247Sports, adding 16 new players. The Seminoles are looking to rebound from one of their worst seasons in program history, finishing 2-10 just a year after an undefeated regular season. Head coach Mike Norvell overhauled his staff, bringing in Tony White and Gus Malzahn as new coordinators to help revitalize the team.
Alabama and Florida State have faced each other only five times, with the Crimson Tide leading the series 3-1-1. However, this will be Alabama’s first-ever trip to Tallahassee.
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