Week 1 of college football is always full of surprises, and while the opening results don’t define an entire season, this year’s start has raised big questions for two powerhouse SEC programs—Texas and Alabama. Both suffered shocking defeats, shaking early confidence in their playoff aspirations.
What Happened in Week 1?
The Texas Longhorns, ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25, lost 14–7 in a defensive battle against No. 3 Ohio State. Quarterback Arch Manning, seen as a leading Heisman Trophy contender, struggled under relentless pressure despite showcasing flashes of talent. Texas’ offensive line collapsed at critical moments, failing to convert short-yard situations that could have changed the game’s momentum.
Meanwhile, Alabama Crimson Tide endured a stunning 31–17 defeat to Florida State, marking their first Week 1 loss since 2001. Alabama’s offense sputtered, producing only 74 rushing yards on 29 carries, while Florida State’s defense and explosive passing game exposed the Tide’s weaknesses.
Key Teams and Takeaways
Texas Longhorns: Entered the season under immense expectations with Arch Manning leading the offense. The performance in Columbus exposed issues that need urgent fixing.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Known for dominating season openers, this loss raises concerns following last season’s struggles. Coach Nick Saban now faces early doubts about the team’s playoff chances.
Florida State Seminoles: Under new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, the Seminoles executed a sharp game plan to exploit Alabama’s vulnerabilities, pulling off one of the weekend’s biggest upsets.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Coming in with questions about defensive strength, the Buckeyes delivered, limiting Texas’ high-powered offense and making a strong case for playoff contention.
Background and Timeline
- 2001–2023: Alabama had an unbeaten Week 1 record until this year’s loss to Florida State
- 2022: Texas invested heavily in recruiting and transfers to rise in national rankings
- 2024: SEC dominated the College Football Playoff with three semifinal teams
- Week 1, 2025: Texas and Alabama stumble, sparking doubts about SEC depth
Social Media and Fan Reactions
Fans and analysts shared strong opinions online. Alabama’s loss was called one of the biggest upsets of the week, with criticism aimed at the Tide’s offensive struggles. Texas fans expressed disappointment but defended Arch Manning as still developing. Florida State and Ohio State fans celebrated statement wins, believing these victories could shape the playoff conversation early.
What Happens Next?
Despite the early setbacks, both Texas and Alabama remain in playoff contention if they can recover against challenging schedules. The College Football Playoff Committee values strength of schedule, leaving room for redemption.
Other notable results included South Florida routing Boise State 34–7, Auburn defeating Purdue, and Iowa State’s kicker breaking a school record with a 63-yard field goal. For programs like Boise State and Army, early losses could mean the end of playoff hopes.
Conclusion
The first week of the 2025 season shook up expectations, proving that no team is safe. With Texas and Alabama suffering rare early defeats, the SEC faces an uphill climb to maintain dominance. Meanwhile, teams like Ohio State and Florida State have positioned themselves as serious playoff contenders.