Excitement builds for upcoming football season as Alabama Alumni Association holds kickoff meeting

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – University of Alabama alumni are ready to get the new football season started.

The Tuscaloosa County Chapter of the University of Alabama Alumni Association hosted their kickoff meeting at the Tuscaloosa River Market, enjoying barbecue and building excitement for the 2025 season.

Football General Manager Courtney Morgan was the special guest speaker at the Tuscaloosa County Chapter of the University of Alabama Alumni Association’s kickoff meeting(WBRC)

Football General Manager Courtney Morgan was the special guest speaker at the event.

“I’m excited because of what we’ve done with our roster, the pieces that we’ve added,” Morgan said. “Bringing in the guys that are the right fit, not just athletically, but culturally and watching that come together in the off season.”

As Alabama looks to bounce back from the first season since 2007 with less than 10 wins, the Tide enters the new season ranked 21st in 24/7 Sports’ transfer rankings, adding eight three-star players and four five-star.

“I think everyone in the building can say that the guys that came in in the portal are great additions as people and it helps that they can also play football,” Morgan added.

The Crimson Tide enter the season ranked No. 8 in both the Associated Press and Coaches Polls.

On Monday, Alabama named Ty Simpson as the new starting quarterback to replace Jalen Milroe.

8/5/25 MFB MFB fall camp practice 4 Alabama Quarterback Ty Simpson (15) Photo by Kent Gidley(Kent Gidley | Crimson Tide Photos / UA Athletics)

In addition to talking football and building excitement, the Tuscaloosa County Chapter of the UA Alumni Association used the meeting to raise money for scholarships.

They sold tickets for the gathering and also held a silent auction for gifts and Crimson Tide memorabilia.

Barkley Garrett, the immediate past president of the Tuscaloosa County Chapter of the UA Alumni Association, said this past year the chapter raised $190,000 in scholarship money for 40 students from high schools in Tuscaloosa County to attend the University of Alabama.

“We just want to continue to build on that amount so we can help as many students and parents as possible.” Garrett added about their fundraising effort.

No. 8 Alabama kicks off the 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 30 on the road against Florida State. The Crimson Tide is a 13.5-point favorite over the Seminoles, according to FOX Sports.

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