Tuscaloosa, AL — In a move that has sparked both cheers and chuckles across the state, the Alabama Department of Education has officially added a new course titled “Football History and Fundamentals” to the statewide high school graduation requirements.
Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, all high school students in Alabama will be required to take the semester-long class before they can receive their diplomas. The curriculum will cover the origins of American football, key moments in Alabama’s football legacy, and the fundamentals of gameplay and teamwork.
The final exam? A unique twist: each student will have to successfully run a goal-line play, either as a player or in a coaching role, as part of a hands-on demonstration of football knowledge and execution.
According to State Superintendent Dr. Emily Parsons, the decision reflects Alabama’s deep-rooted football culture and aims to integrate local tradition with physical education and history. “Football is part of our identity,” she said. “This course honors that legacy while promoting teamwork, discipline, and historical understanding.”
The class will feature a mix of textbook learning and fieldwork. Students will study legendary Alabama games, profiles of iconic coaches like Bear Bryant and Nick Saban, and the social impact of football on the state’s communities over the decades.
To prepare for the final exam, students will participate in practice sessions where they rotate positions, learn basic formations, and strategize real-time plays. Schools with limited football facilities will receive funding for equipment and training support.
Parents and alumni have responded with enthusiasm. “This is Alabama,” said former Crimson Tide linebacker Tony Gentry. “We were raised on football. It’s only right that students learn not just how to watch the game, but understand it inside and out.”
Not everyone is on board, however. Some educators have expressed concern about the emphasis on sports in an academic environment. “We support extracurriculars, but requiring a football exam to graduate seems excessive,” said Linda Martinez, a high school English teacher in Birmingham.
The state has reassured critics that safety measures will be in place, and accommodations will be made for students with physical limitations. For those unable to participate on the field, alternative roles such as calling plays or analyzing footage will be offered.
As the state preps for implementation, Alabama may soon be the only place in the country where high school graduation hinges on knowing not just the Pythagorean theorem—but also how to punch the ball into the end zone on fourth and goal.
