College football doesn’t waste time serving up drama, and Week 1 of the 2025 season already gave us a shake-up. The biggest headline? Alabama, the program that once defined dominance, looked shockingly ordinary. Their stumble was the talk of the weekend, and it raised the uncomfortable question: Is the Tide still rolling, or has the sport passed them by?
Loser: Alabama – The dynasty feels… dented
Alabama’s opener was nothing short of a train wreck. The offensive line was bullied, the quarterback carousel did little to spark confidence, and the defense got gashed in ways unthinkable a decade ago. This wasn’t just a bad game—it was a reality check. Nick Saban may be the greatest to ever do it, but the aura of invincibility is gone. SEC rivals are circling like sharks, and Alabama looks vulnerable in a way that used to be unthinkable. If this is the new normal, the dynasty’s final chapter might already be underway.
Winner: Texas – Finally looking the part
For years, we’ve heard the “Texas is back” joke, but this weekend the Longhorns actually looked like a team worthy of the hype. They played fast, physical, and with a level of confidence that’s been missing in Austin. Steve Sarkisian’s offense hummed, the defense brought the fight, and the Horns looked like a team ready for the SEC spotlight. If they keep this up, Texas might not just be back—they might be contenders.
Winner: Ohio State – A machine right out of the gate
While Alabama stumbled, Ohio State looked like a well-oiled machine. Their quarterback was sharp, the skill positions were explosive, and the defense was suffocating. In a week where several supposed heavyweights wobbled, the Buckeyes looked rock solid. This is exactly how a playoff contender should open a season—no drama, just domination.
Loser: USC – Same problems, different year
The Trojans came in riding hype around their quarterback and flashy offense, but the game revealed the same old issues. The defense was soft, the tackling sloppy, and the team looked unprepared for a physical opponent. Lincoln Riley can dial up plays, but until USC learns to hit back, they’ll remain pretenders in a sport that demands toughness.
Winner: Notre Dame – Playing with balance and bite
The Irish often get criticized for being good, not great. But their Week 1 performance suggested something different. They showed balance on offense, discipline on defense, and a level of poise that could carry them through big tests. If they can sustain this form, Notre Dame may finally break the glass ceiling that’s kept them out of playoff glory.
Loser: Florida State – Hype meets reality
Few programs entered the season with more buzz than Florida State. But against their Week 1 opponent, the Seminoles looked lost—turnovers, sloppy execution, and a lack of composure. For a program desperate to rejoin the elite, this wasn’t just a loss; it was a gut punch.
Final Thought
- Week 1 reminded us why college football is unmatched in chaos. Alabama’s stumble was the headline, but the bigger story might be the shifting landscape: Texas looks ready, Ohio State looks scary, and programs like USC and Florida State face tough questions. The season is young, but one thing is already clear—the balance of power may be shifting.
ower may be shifting.
