Alabama vs Auburn Iron Bowl 2025: Get the latest scores, stats, predictions, and viewing info for college football’s most intense rivalry game. Everything you need to know about the Crimson Tide and Tigers showdown.

Iron Bowl History: 131 Years of Unmatched Intensity

The Alabama vs Auburn rivalry traces its roots back to 1893 when the two schools first met on the gridiron. What started as a regional matchup has evolved into one of the most significant sporting events in American sports. The series record shows Alabama holding a commanding 50-37 lead with one tie, but the numbers only tell part of the story. Each Iron Bowl carries its own narrative, its own heroes, and its own place in college football lore.

The rivalry earned its “Iron Bowl” nickname from the iron and steel industry that powered Birmingham, where the game was played for much of the 20th century. Since 1999, the Alabama Auburn football game alternates between Jordan-Hare Stadium in odd-numbered years and Bryant-Denny Stadium in even-numbered years, giving each team true home-field advantage in alternating seasons. This rotation has only intensified the Iron Bowl experience, as 87,000-plus fans create environments that rank among the loudest and most intimidating in all of sports.

Alabama Football Under Kalen DeBoer: A New Era Begins

Kalen DeBoer enters his second season as Alabama head coach with the pressure and expectations that come with leading college football’s most successful program. The former Washington coach took over for the legendary Nick Saban and faced immediate scrutiny after a 9-4 inaugural campaign that saw the Crimson Tide miss the College Football Playoff for the first time since its expansion. DeBoer’s 2025 mission centers on executing better in critical moments—something he has identified as the key difference between last season’s disappointment and championship contention.

The Alabama football schedule for 2025 presents a challenging path back to dominance. DeBoer knows that falling short of the playoff for a second consecutive season would quell the momentum built through offseason culture changes and recruiting successes. The Crimson Tide went just 2-3 in one-score games during the 2024 season, with costly losses to Vanderbilt and Tennessee derailing championship aspirations. DeBoer has emphasized that championship football requires perfection in clutch situations, and his second year will be judged on Alabama’s ability to win close games against elite competition.

Alabama Quarterback Situation: Ty Simpson Leads the Tide

The Alabama quarterback position remains under the spotlight as Ty Simpson enters his junior season as the expected starter. Simpson won the job in camp over freshman phenom Keelon Russell and veteran Austin Mack, giving DeBoer a seasoned signal-caller who understands the demands of SEC football. Simpson’s development will be crucial to Alabama’s success in the Iron Bowl 2025 and throughout the conference schedule.

The Crimson Tide offense under DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb emphasizes explosive plays and efficient red-zone execution. Simpson’s ability to manage the game while making critical throws under pressure will determine whether Alabama can reclaim its spot among college football’s elite. The Alabama vs Auburn matchup historically hinges on quarterback play, and Simpson must be prepared for the hostile environment and heightened emotions that define the Iron Bowl.

Auburn Football: Hugh Freeze Rebuilds the Tigers

Auburn football enters the 2025 season under head coach Hugh Freeze, who faces the challenge of closing the gap with their in-state rivals. The Tigers have struggled to consistently compete with Alabama in recent years, winning just two of the last ten meetings. Freeze’s offensive scheme and recruiting efforts aim to restore Auburn to championship contention, but the path runs directly through Tuscaloosa and the Crimson Tide.

The Auburn Tigers football program boasts a rich history of Iron Bowl heroes, from Bo Jackson’s iconic leap in 1982 to Cam Newton’s miraculous comeback in 2010. The 2025 Auburn squad must create its own legacy if it hopes to upset Alabama and reclaim state supremacy. Freeze has emphasized toughness and discipline, knowing that any chance against the Crimson Tide requires mistake-free football for four full quarters.

Cam Coleman: Auburn’s Weapon in the Iron Bowl

Cam Coleman represents Auburn’s best chance to challenge Alabama’s secondary in the Iron Bowl 2025. The talented wide receiver enters his sophomore season after a promising freshman campaign where he caught 37 passes for 598 yards and 8 touchdowns. Coleman’s development has been a focal point for Auburn’s offense, though his impact has been limited by quarterback inconsistency and offensive line struggles.

Through five games in 2025, Coleman has posted 17 catches for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns, numbers that don’t fully reflect his potential. Head coach Hugh Freeze has acknowledged that defenses are specifically game-planning to limit Coleman’s impact, using cloud coverage and bracket techniques to take away Auburn’s top weapon. The Tigers must find ways to get Coleman involved, especially in a game where explosive plays could swing momentum.

Coleman’s performance against Alabama will be critical. The Crimson Tide secondary, even in transition years, remains one of the nation’s best. If Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold can connect with Coleman on vertical routes and contested catches, the Tigers have a fighting chance to keep the Iron Bowl 2025 competitive deep into the fourth quarter.

Iron Bowl 2025: What Time and Channel

Fans wondering what time is the Iron Bowl and what channel is the Alabama game on today will find the 2025 edition scheduled for the traditional late November timeframe. The Iron Bowl time typically falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, with kickoff usually set for 2:30 PM or 6:00 PM Central Time. The game receives prime billing on CBS as part of the network’s SEC Game of the Week package.

For those asking where to watch Auburn Tigers football vs Alabama Crimson Tide football, multiple options exist. The traditional broadcast airs on CBS, while streaming services like Paramount+ offer live access. ESPN’s college football coverage also provides extensive pre-game and post-game analysis. The Iron Bowl 2025 time will be announced closer to the date, but fans should expect the standard late afternoon kickoff that maximizes national viewership.

Alabama vs Auburn Score Predictions and Analysis

The Alabama vs Auburn prediction for 2025 favors the Crimson Tide, but rivalry games defy conventional logic. Alabama’s talent advantage and home-field advantage at Bryant-Denny Stadium make them clear favorites, but Auburn’s motivation and desperation for a statement win cannot be discounted. The Iron Bowl spread typically favors Alabama by double digits, but the final margin often proves much closer.

Key factors in the Alabama Auburn score will include:

• Turnover margin: Alabama must protect the football against an Auburn defense that thrives on creating chaos
• Third-down conversions: The team that wins this statistical battle usually wins the Iron Bowl
• Special teams: Field position and kicking game execution often prove decisive in close contests
• Defensive line play: Alabama’s front must pressure Arnold while Auburn’s line must contain Simpson

Iron Bowl History: Memorable Moments That Define the Rivalry

The Alabama vs Auburn rivalry has produced some of college football’s most unforgettable games. The 2013 “Kick Six” saw Chris Davis return a missed field goal 109 yards for a game-winning touchdown on the final play, delivering Auburn one of the most improbable victories in sports history. The 2010 “Camback” featured Cam Newton leading Auburn from a 24-point deficit to a 28-27 victory that propelled the Tigers to a national championship.

Alabama’s recent dominance includes Bryce Young’s four-overtime thriller in 2021, when the Crimson Tide escaped with a 24-22 victory after trailing for most of regulation. That game exemplified the razor-thin margin between victory and defeat in the Iron Bowl, as Alabama’s playoff hopes hung in the balance until the final seconds.

The Iron Bowl record shows Alabama winning 12 of the last 16 meetings since 2008, but Auburn’s victories have been program-defining moments. The Tigers’ six-game winning streak from 2002-2007 directly led to Alabama’s pursuit of Nick Saban, changing the trajectory of both programs for the next decade and a half.

Alabama Auburn Game 2025: Players to Watch

Beyond Coleman and Simpson, several players will shape the Iron Bowl 2025 outcome:

Alabama Impact Players:

• Isaiah Horton: The emerging receiver gives Simpson a reliable target in critical situations
• Bray Hubbard: The linebacker anchors a defense that must contain Auburn’s rushing attack
• Jordan Hare Stadium factor: While this year’s game is at Bryant-Denny, the road team’s ability to handle hostile environments proves crucial

Auburn Difference Makers:

• Jackson Arnold: The quarterback must elevate his play after averaging under 200 yards passing per game
• Cam Coleman: Auburn’s best chance for explosive plays against Alabama’s secondary
• Defensive playmakers: The Tigers need turnovers and negative plays to stay competitive

How to Watch Alabama vs Auburn 2025

For fans searching where to watch Alabama Crimson Tide football vs Auburn Tigers football, the primary broadcast will be on CBS with national coverage. The Iron Bowl 2025 time will likely be announced in early November, but the traditional late afternoon slot maximizes viewership. Streaming options include:

• Paramount+ (CBS streaming platform)
• College sports streaming services
• ESPN College GameDay likely on-site for morning preview coverage

The Alabama Auburn game draws millions of viewers annually, making it one of television’s most-watched sporting events. The broadcast typically features the top announcing crew and comprehensive pre-game coverage that captures the pageantry and intensity of college football’s greatest rivalry.

Iron Bowl Records and Streaks

Alabama’s longest winning streak in the series spans nine consecutive victories from 1973-1981, a dominance that defined the Bear Bryant era. Auburn ended that streak in legendary fashion when Bo Jackson leaped over the Alabama defensive line for a game-winning touchdown in 1982, Bryant’s final season.

Auburn’s longest streak reached six straight wins from 2002-2007, a run that proved instrumental in Alabama’s decision to pursue Nick Saban. Since Saban’s arrival, Alabama has won 12 of 16 meetings, establishing the modern standard of excellence that Kalen DeBoer now must maintain.

The Iron Bowl history includes one tie in 1907, a 6-6 deadlock that remains the only stalemate in 131 years of competition. Every other meeting has produced a definitive winner, adding to the rivalry’s winner-take-all intensity.

The Road to Iron Bowl 2025: Season Outlook

Both teams face challenging schedules leading to their November showdown. Alabama’s SEC slate includes Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M, while Auburn must navigate matchups against Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri. The Iron Bowl often serves as a capstone to regular seasons that have already tested each team’s championship credentials.

For Alabama, the season represents a referendum on DeBoer’s ability to maintain the program’s elite status. Anything less than a playoff berth would be considered disappointing in Tuscaloosa, making the Auburn game critical for both momentum and résumé building. The Crimson Tide must avoid the shocking upsets that plagued the 2024 campaign, particularly the loss to Vanderbilt that derailed championship hopes.

Auburn enters 2025 with lower expectations but higher motivation. A victory over Alabama would instantly validate Freeze’s rebuilding effort and provide the signature win needed for recruiting momentum. The Tigers have struggled to compete with Alabama’s talent level in recent years, making execution and discipline essential for an upset bid.

Iron Bowl Traditions and Pageantry

The Alabama Auburn rivalry extends beyond the football field into every aspect of life in Alabama. The state literally divides into crimson and orange factions each November, with workplace bragging rights, family harmony, and community pride hanging in the balance. The game’s traditions include:

• The “Walk of Champions” at both stadiums
• Eagle flights at Jordan-Hare Stadium
• Massive tailgates that begin days before kickoff
• Legends from both schools returning for the game

This pageantry makes the Iron Bowl 2025 more than just a football game—it’s a cultural touchstone that defines the state’s identity for 365 days each year.

Final Iron Bowl 2025 Prediction

While Auburn possesses the motivation and offensive weapons to compete, Alabama’s talent advantage and home-field edge at Bryant-Denny Stadium prove too significant to overcome. The Crimson Tide should win by 10-14 points, but expect a competitive first half before Alabama’s depth and conditioning take control.

The Alabama vs Auburn score prediction: Alabama 34, Auburn 20. This result would extend Alabama’s dominance while giving Auburn confidence that they’re closing the gap under Freeze’s leadership.

The Iron Bowl 2025 promises another chapter in college football’s greatest rivalry, with championship implications, future NFL talent, and the intensity that makes this game must-watch television for sports fans nationwide.