When Alabama football wins, the entire college football world takes notice. After a commanding 38-14 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers in Week 3, the Crimson Tide have made yet another statement — this time reflected in the updated ESPN Football Power Index (FPI). The Tide rose to No. 3 nationally, sitting behind only the Oregon Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes, while also overtaking Georgia as the highest-ranked SEC team.
This surge isn’t just about the scoreboard — it’s about the direction Alabama is heading in under Nick Saban’s program. Once again, the Tide look like they are gearing up for a deep run that could redefine the 2025 season.
Alabama’s New Standing in the Rankings
According to ESPN FPI, the latest update places Alabama right in the thick of the national championship conversation. Their jump to No. 3 overall signals the respect the program continues to command even after early-season bumps.
Georgia, the reigning SEC powerhouse, now trails Alabama at No. 4, marking a symbolic shift in conference perception. For Alabama fans, this feels like more than just a number — it feels like the beginning of a return to dominance.
The Crimson Tide’s early schedule has already tested them, but the Wisconsin performance was arguably their most complete showing yet: a balanced offensive attack, relentless defensive pressure, and the kind of efficiency that defines championship teams.
Projections Favor a Strong Season
The FPI isn’t just about current rankings — it projects the road ahead. Right now, Alabama carries:
98.6% chance of reaching six wins (essentially a lock for bowl eligibility).
2.6% chance of running the table in the regular season.
19.6% chance of winning the SEC title.
50.3% chance of making the College Football Playoff.
14.1% chance of playing for the national championship.
8% chance of winning it all.
Numbers don’t tell the entire story, but they paint a clear picture: Alabama is once again among the true contenders. While Oregon and Ohio State may lead statistically, Alabama’s pedigree, depth, and coaching make them a threat in any matchup.
Statement Win Over Wisconsin
The 38-14 rout of Wisconsin was not just another win; it was a statement performance. The Tide offense found its rhythm, piling up points with efficiency, while the defense suffocated Wisconsin’s attack.
The Badgers came into the game known for their physical style of play, but Alabama neutralized it from the start. By halftime, the outcome already felt inevitable. That kind of dominance matters in the eyes of the FPI model, and it’s why the Tide leapt up in the rankings.
The SEC Road Ahead
Alabama now sits at 2-1 overall and enters a bye week. But there’s no time for relaxation — the next game will be monumental. On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Tide travel to Athens for a blockbuster SEC opener against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Georgia has long been Alabama’s fiercest challenger in recent years, and this matchup could help define the entire SEC race. A win on the road would not only solidify Alabama’s top-three status but also send shockwaves across college football.
What This Means for Fans and the Program
For fans, this rise feels like a validation of what they’ve believed all along: Alabama remains one of the elite. Doubts that crept in after early struggles have been washed away by the Wisconsin performance and the Tide’s climb in the metrics.
For the program, it’s a reminder that the standard hasn’t changed. Nick Saban and his staff have turned early-season challenges into fuel, and the team looks sharper each week. If the FPI is any indication, Alabama’s ceiling this season could be sky-high.
Final Word
Alabama’s move to No. 3 in the ESPN FPI is more than just a ranking — it’s a sign of momentum. With SEC play about to kick off, the Tide are positioned perfectly to chase another conference title and perhaps even a national championship.
The numbers say they’re contenders. The performance against Wisconsin says they’re dangerous. And history says: never count Alabama out.
