Alabama Football Opens Season With 31-17 Loss to Florida State Amid Fan Engagement Decline

Alabama football is facing a challenging 2025 season following a disappointing 31-17 loss to Florida State that has raised concerns about the program's performance and fan engagement. Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron highlighted the lack of energy on the sideline during the Florida State game, a sentiment echoed by defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. This loss has led to a noticeable decline in fan enthusiasm, with ticket prices for upcoming home games dropping to unusually low levels, reflecting uncertainty about the team's future under head coach Kalen DeBoer. Despite being heavy favorites in their next game against Louisiana-Monroe, Alabama is still struggling to find its previous dominant form, with a 5-5 record in recent games indicating a departure from the Nick Saban era's standards. The upcoming games are seen as opportunities for less-experienced players to gain reps and for the team to begin rebuilding momentum, although critics remain vocal about the program's current state. Meanwhile, Southern University is preparing for a home game against Alabama State with a strong focus on leveraging their home-field advantage, underscoring contrasting team dynamics within college football.