The AP Top 25 poll is supposed to get things right, but after a shaky start to the 2025 season, Alabama Crimson Tide fans are not buying it. While most teams ranked above Alabama have looked sharper, that is not the real issue for the fanbase. Instead, a growing number believe that some AP voters are playing favorites, and the Tide faithful are making their frustrations known.
Why Are Alabama Crimson Tide Fans Questioning the AP Poll?
The 2025 college football season got off to a rocky start for the Crimson Tide, who suffered a 31-17 loss to the unranked Florida State Seminoles in Week 1. The result sent shockwaves through the college football world. However, Alabama bounced back in Week 2, demolishing the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks 73-0. The offense fired on all cylinders, piling up 583 total yards. After a disappointing showing in Week 1, where they mustered only 87 rushing yards, the Tide surged back with 212 rushing yards in their second game.
Running back AK Dear made the most of his touches, breaking out for 76 yards and a touchdown on only five carries. Quarterback Ty Simpson delivered a flawless performance, completing all 17 of his pass attempts for 226 yards and three touchdowns. He capped it off with an elite 99.3 QBR that showcased his control and precision.
Following Week 2, the Associated Press rolled out its latest Top 25 rankings, and Alabama’s placement ignited immediate debate. Initially ranked No. 8 before the season, Alabama’s tumble to No. 21 after the FSU loss stung fans. After their dominant rebound win, the Tide climbed only slightly to No. 19, a jump many in the fanbase viewed as a slap in the face.
Here’s how the Top 5 teams stack up in the AP Top 25 heading into Week 3:
- No. 1 Ohio State
- No. 2 Penn State
- No. 3 LSU
- No. 4 Oregon
- No. 5 Miami
Alabama Fans Demand AP Voters’ Accountability
The conversation around Alabama’s modest climb in the AP rankings was not just about stats or scores; it quickly turned personal. Fans zeroed in on one specific AP voter: Koki Riley. His ballot was scrutinized after analyst Danny Kannell called him out in a viral post.
Another favorite pollster…Meet @KokiRiley from Baton Rouge….he has Alabama two spots ahead of FSU. Florida FIVE spots ahead of USF. And Arizona State is ranked while Mississippi State is not. pic.twitter.com/5qOsGtsVmE
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) September 9, 2025
“Another favorite pollster… Meet @KokiRiley from Baton Rouge,” Kannell wrote. “He has Alabama two spots ahead of FSU. Florida FIVE spots ahead of USF. And Arizona State is ranked, while Mississippi State is not.”
That post lit the fuse. Fans flooded the comments section within minutes, launching a wave of frustration, disbelief, and outright fury. Accusations of bias and regional favoritism were everywhere.
AP voting is a joke! But it hurts deserving programs!! They need to scrap this system and start over!
— BYU Johnny (@mrsiak67) September 9, 2025
“AP voting is a joke! But it hurts deserving programs!! They need to scrap this system and start over!” one fan wrote.
Are they taking bribes??
— HardWorkingMan (@Gary122474) September 9, 2025
“Are they taking bribes??” another added. “Shouldn’t have a vote!” one commenter chimed in.
Guys never sniffed a football in his life
— tone (@EmpireStateTone) September 9, 2025
“Guy’s never sniffed a football in his life,” another said bluntly.
Despite sitting at No. 19 in the current AP Top 25 rankings, Alabama fans have not forgotten that the Crimson Tide finished the 2024 season 9-4 and missed out on the College Football Playoff. But with Kalen DeBoer at the helm and plenty of season left to play, there is still time for the Tide to climb the rankings and silence the doubters.
