Kalen DeBoer’s first season as head coach of Alabama football did not go as planned. Taking over from the legendary Nick Saban, who retired as the most accomplished college football coach of all time, DeBoer faced immense pressure and scrutiny. The Crimson Tide finished the 2024 season with a 9-4 record, falling short of expectations.
Many analysts who have long anticipated Alabama’s decline now predict that the Tide will continue to struggle under DeBoer. Preseason rankings for the 2025 season place Alabama outside the top-10, with some even considering them a fringe top-25 team. This outlook provides plenty of motivation for the 2025 squad, which boasts one of the nation’s most talented rosters despite recent setbacks.
During his first year, DeBoer maintained Alabama’s high level of recruiting, ensuring a strong lineup for the upcoming season. The Crimson Tide is poised to compete with any team in the country, despite the doubters.
As DeBoer enters his second season, Alabama will benefit from a high level of roster retention, particularly on defense. This continuity reflects the positive culture within the locker room, with players fully committed to DeBoer and each other. This buy-in has been a hallmark of DeBoer’s previous successes at NAIA powerhouse Sioux Falls, Fresno State, and Washington, where he led an underdog team to a national championship game appearance.
With skeptics voicing their doubts, Alabama is expected to harness that same hunger and tenacity in 2025, driven by the “underdog” culture that DeBoer cultivates. This mentality, combined with their talent and determination, positions the Crimson Tide to defy expectations and achieve greatness once again.
