The No. 16 Vanderbilt Commodores travel to Bryant-Denny Stadium to face the No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide in what stands as the marquee matchup of the weekend.
This in-depth Vanderbilt vs. Alabama prediction includes exclusive PFSN player evaluations and team assessments, coupled with thorough breakdowns of both squads’ current momentum and competitive strengths heading into this pivotal SEC showdown.
Vanderbilt vs. Alabama Game Details
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
- Game time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
- Predicted weather at kick: 83 degrees, mostly sunny
- How to watch: ABC
Vanderbilt vs. Alabama Head-to-Head Record
The Commodores delivered one of college football’s most stunning upsets last season, toppling the top-ranked Crimson Tide in a result that sent shockwaves throughout the sport.
Prior to that breakthrough moment, Alabama’s dominance in this rivalry had been virtually absolute, reflecting the historical imbalance between these SEC programs. However, this iteration of Vanderbilt represents a fundamentally transformed program with legitimate championship aspirations.
The series originated in 1903, spanning 86 total encounters since their inaugural meeting. Vanderbilt captured the first five matchups from 1903 to 1919, establishing early superiority
before Alabama’s program ascended to national prominence. The Crimson Tide subsequently dominated with a 14-game winning streak from 1970 to 1983 and currently holds 60 victories compared to Vanderbilt’s 20 wins, producing a .714 winning percentage for Alabama. The teams have also recorded four ties throughout their lengthy history.
Vanderbilt vs. Alabama Grades
Below are the PFSN team and positional grades for the highest-ranked players set to be featured in Vanderbilt vs. Alabama.
PFSN College OFFi
- Vanderbilt (90.68, A-)
- Alabama (89.14, B+)
PFSN College DEFi
- Vanderbilt (81.2, B-)
- Alabama (84.81, B)
PFSN College OL
- Vanderbilt (78.06, C+)
- Alabama (88.59, B+)
PFSN College QBi
- Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt (86.7, B)
- Ty Simpson, Alabama (84.2, B)
PFSN College RBi
- Sedrick Alexander, Vanderbilt (N/A)
- Kevin Riley, Alabama (N/A)
PFSN College WRi
- Tre Richardson, Vanderbilt (77.56, C+)
- Germie Bernard, Alabama (80.48, B-)
PFSN College TEi
- Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt (83.33, B)
- Josh Cuevas, Alabama (79.2, C+)
PFSN College EDGEi
- Miles Capers, Vanderbilt (83.09, B)
- LT Overton, Alabama (84.2, B)
PFSN College DTi
- Zaylin Wood, Vanderbilt (73.43, C)
- James Smith, Alabama (79.8, C+)
PFSN College LBi
- Bryan Longwell, Vanderbilt (71.07, C-)
- Deontae Lawson, Alabama (71.95, C-)
PFSN College CBi
- Kolbey Taylor, Vanderbilt (74.8, C)
- Domani Jackson, Alabama (79.6, C+)
PFSN College SAF
- Dontae Carter, Vanderbilt (79.32, C+)
- Bray Hubbard, Alabama (84.2, B)
Vanderbilt vs. Alabama Prediction
How will Alabama respond with Vanderbilt on the rise and not catching anybody by surprise with their skill level anymore? The Commodores shocked the world last season at their home stadium, but now have to travel to Tuscaloosa with revenge on the mind of the Crimson Tide.
MORE: Is Ryan Williams Hurt? Breaking Down the Alabama WR’s Slow Start vs. Georgia
No. 16 Vanderbilt went from the doormat of the SEC to starting off the season 5-0 and earning its place in the AP Top 25. Alabama has won three straight after a shocking loss to start the year. They had a signature win last week at Georgia and are looking for more to cement their place in the College Football Playoff.
Don’t sleep on Vanderbilt’s progress; based on our PFSN College OFFi metrics, they have the fourth-ranked offense and have answered the bell for every test this year. However, their offensive line will determine their fate this Saturday. They will not be surprised by Pavia and Vanderbilt’s intensity, and they will be able to win in front of the home faithful in this one.
Prediction: Alabama 34, Vanderbilt 24
