The Alabama Crimson Tide will face the Florida State Seminoles in their season opener on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. The game is set to kick off at 3:30 PM ET and will be broadcast on ABC.

This matchup is highly anticipated as both teams aim to establish themselves as contenders for the College Football Playoff. Alabama, ranked No. 8, is entering its second season under head coach Kalen DeBoer. Last year, the Crimson Tide finished with a 9-4 record, marking the first time since 2007 that they did not achieve double-digit wins. Despite this setback, Alabama is expected to be a strong competitor this season.

Florida State, on the other hand, is unranked and looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-10 record last year. The Seminoles hope to replicate their successful 2023 season, where they won 13 games. A victory against a top-10 team like Alabama could significantly boost their ranking.

Alabama's quarterback Ty Simpson is set to make his first collegiate start. Simpson, a former five-star recruit, expressed his excitement and nerves about the upcoming game. "Some butterflies, you know," he said. "I woke up and I was like, ‘Man, it’s really here. Like, it’s game week.’" Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb emphasized the importance of Simpson playing within the structure of the offense.

Simpson has received support from former Alabama quarterbacks, including John Parker Wilson and A.J. McCarron, as well as guidance from former coach Nick Saban. Saban advised him to "just play within yourself" and to focus on ending drives with a kick, whether it be a punt, field goal, or extra point.

Despite missing running back Jam Miller and possibly starting guard Jaeden Roberts, Simpson has a talented roster around him, including three AP preseason All-Americans: receiver Ryan Williams and offensive linemen Parker Brailsford and Kadyn Proctor. Simpson has also been named a team captain, reflecting the confidence his coaches and teammates have in him.

In addition to the Alabama vs. Florida State game, the Georgia Bulldogs will also be in action on the same day, facing the Marshall Thundering Herd at 3:30 PM ET. Georgia, ranked No. 5, will be led by quarterback Gunnar Stockton, who is stepping into a starting role after the departure of Carson Beck.

Both games promise to be exciting matchups as college football kicks off its season.