Why Alabama Football ‘Already Feels’ Different to Kalen DeBoer Ahead of 2025 Season
As the college football world continues to evolve, few programs have maintained their level of dominance like the Alabama Crimson Tide. Under the leadership of legendary head coach Nick Saban, Alabama has cemented its place as one of the most successful programs in college football history, routinely contending for national championships. However, heading into the 2025 season, there is a sense of change in the air — even from the perspective of those who aren’t directly involved with the program.
One individual who has been particularly vocal about the evolving nature of Alabama football is Kalen DeBoer, head coach of the Washington Huskies. DeBoer, who has been watching Alabama closely in recent seasons, noted that there’s something different about the program heading into the 2025 season — something that stands out to him, as well as many other coaches and analysts across the college football landscape.
In this article, we will dive into what Kalen DeBoer means when he says that Alabama football “already feels” different, exploring the changes within the program, the shifting dynamics in college football, and what this might mean for Alabama’s future heading into the 2025 season.
The Changing Landscape of Alabama Football
When Kalen DeBoer refers to Alabama football feeling “different,” he’s likely speaking to a combination of factors that have gradually shifted over the past few seasons. While Alabama has remained a top-tier program, several dynamics have changed within the team and the broader college football ecosystem. Let’s break down some of the most significant reasons why Alabama football may feel different as we approach 2025.
1. The Transition of Quarterback Play
For years, Alabama has been synonymous with elite quarterback play, dating back to the days of AJ McCarron, to Tua Tagovailoa, and more recently, Bryce Young. These quarterbacks played pivotal roles in driving the team’s offensive success, helping Alabama win national championships and maintain dominance in the SEC.
However, as DeBoer alludes to, the program now faces a transition at the quarterback position. With the departure of Bryce Young to the NFL, Alabama enters 2025 without a surefire starting quarterback who can immediately replicate the success of the program’s recent signal-callers. The Tide have a talented quarterback room, but they will likely need to find a new leader to take charge of the offense and guide Alabama through another grueling SEC schedule.
This transition in quarterback play is significant, as it could alter the offensive dynamics of the team. Historically, Alabama has been built on a strong defense and a power-running game, but quarterback play has increasingly become a focal point for successful programs. If Alabama can’t settle on a consistent and dynamic quarterback to carry the offense, this could be a departure from the team’s previous blueprint.
2. The Changing Landscape of College Football Recruiting
Another major factor contributing to the “different feel” surrounding Alabama football is the shifting landscape of college football recruiting. For years, Alabama has been one of the top recruiters in the country, consistently bringing in elite talent from across the nation. The program’s dominance in the recruiting realm has been a hallmark of Saban’s tenure, and it’s one of the reasons the team has remained so competitive year after year.
However, recruiting in college football has seen significant changes in recent years, particularly with the advent of the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era. Programs across the country are now able to use NIL deals to recruit and retain players, and Alabama is no exception. While Alabama has certainly adapted to this new reality, the pressure on the program to maintain its recruiting prowess has increased. The competition for top-tier recruits is fiercer than ever, with other programs — including some of Alabama’s traditional rivals — ramping up their efforts to attract the best high school talent.
With Saban now in his late 70s, many observers are wondering if Alabama can continue to recruit at the same level of dominance it has in the past. There are signs that other programs, like Georgia, Ohio State, and even LSU, are nipping at Alabama’s heels in the recruiting race. This has led to a subtle shift in the power dynamics of college football, making Alabama’s status as a recruiting juggernaut less assured than it once was.
3. Nick Saban’s Evolving Role
Nick Saban, while still one of the most revered coaches in college football history, is now in the twilight of his career. The future Hall of Famer has shown no signs of slowing down, but with each passing year, there’s increasing speculation about when his tenure at Alabama will come to an end. The question of how much longer Saban will be at the helm is a legitimate one, especially as new challenges and changes continue to crop up within the college football landscape.
Though Saban remains at the top of his game in terms of coaching, his role has evolved. He has transitioned from being the sole strategist behind every major decision to delegating more responsibilities to his coaching staff, including offensive and defensive coordinators. This evolution may have led to a shift in the program’s overall dynamic, as the onus on Saban to personally oversee every aspect of the team has diminished.
This transition could be seen as a natural part of the program’s evolution, but it does bring up questions about Alabama’s ability to continue operating at the highest level once Saban decides to step away. His eventual departure will mark a major turning point for the program, and the preparation for this transition will be a crucial factor in maintaining Alabama’s success long after Saban’s retirement.
4. The Rise of Rival Programs in the SEC
Another key aspect that contributes to the “different feel” surrounding Alabama football is the rise of other SEC programs that are beginning to challenge the Crimson Tide for supremacy. For years, Alabama has dominated the SEC, facing little competition for the top spot in the conference. However, programs like Georgia, LSU, and even Texas A&M have taken major steps forward in recent years, making the SEC more competitive than it has been in the past.
Georgia, in particular, has emerged as a legitimate powerhouse under head coach Kirby Smart, winning national championships and becoming a formidable opponent for Alabama. Meanwhile, LSU’s resurgence under Brian Kelly and the continued strength of Texas A&M and other SEC programs have made the conference more balanced, with multiple teams vying for the crown.
Alabama has traditionally thrived in the face of competition, but the added strength of its rivals means that Saban and his staff will need to adapt to maintain the team’s dominance. The SEC has become a much tougher league, and Alabama will need to rise to the challenge as it faces an ever-growing pool of talented teams.
What Kalen DeBoer Sees in Alabama’s Future
For Kalen DeBoer, Alabama football may feel different heading into the 2025 season because of the various shifts happening within the program and college football as a whole. While Alabama remains a formidable force in college football, there’s a sense that the program is undergoing a transition — one that could either help propel it to new heights or leave it vulnerable to emerging challengers.
DeBoer likely sees the changing dynamics as an opportunity for his Washington Huskies to capitalize on the shifts happening in the college football landscape. While Alabama may not be as dominant as it once was, it’s still an incredibly talented and well-coached team. However, the increased competition in recruiting, quarterback play, and coaching may present more opportunities for other programs, like Washington, to compete at a higher level.
Ultimately, whether Alabama can maintain its stranglehold on the college football landscape or whether other programs begin to challenge its supremacy will be determined in the coming seasons. As for Kalen DeBoer, he’ll be watching closely to see how the evolving dynamics of Alabama football impact the future of the program. The 2025 season promises to be one of intrigue, as the Crimson Tide work to adapt to the changing nature of college football.