Kalen DeBoer is proving that Alabama’s recruiting power is far from over, even in the post-Nick Saban era. Back in the day, top recruits couldn’t wait to play for GOAT Saban at Alabama. After the legendary coach retired, many thought the program’s recruiting dominance might fade. But with DeBoer at the helm, Alabama is still bringing in some serious talent.

On August 21st, DeBoer landed a major win by securing elite 4-star running back Akylin Dear. Dear had been eyeing the Alabama Crimson Tide for a while, especially after de-committing from Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss in June. He even attended Alabama’s Cold Summer Cook-Out in July, and within a month, he confirmed his commitment to play for the Tide.

On3’s Hayes Fawcett broke the news on his X handle, noting, “The 6’0 210 RB from Quitman, MS chose the Crimson Tide over Ole Miss & Mississippi State.” In an interview with Fawcett, Dear called his decision a “business decision”. He’s not only impressed by the legacy left by Saban but also by what DeBoer is building at Alabama.

Dear also had high praise for Crimson Tide’s RB Coach Robert Gillespie, saying, “Coach G is my dawg,” and adding, “When I’m there with Coach G, Coach DeBoer, and the staff, it feels like I’m in Quitman”. Now, this No. 2 prospect from Mississippi, will join the No. 1 prospect from his state, elite 5-star wide receiver Caleb Cunningham, who also committed to DeBoer’s team last month. And the list of talent doesn’t stop there!

The new HC has also secured commitments from 5-star talents like QB Keelon Russell, OT Ty Haywood, and defensive back Dijon Lee for the 2025 roster. Looks like it’s time for DeBoer’s doubters to step aside, as fans are making their way in.

Kalen DeBoer outshines Nick Saban

Nick Saban has built quite a legacy over his 17 years with Alabama, winning 9 SEC titles and 6 national championships. But with Kalen DeBoer’s recent recruiting success, many Alabama fans are starting to turn against Saban, with DeBoer becoming their new cult hero. One X user confidently commented, “DeBoer is already a better recruiter than Saban,” while another simply said, “KD is taking over.”

Now, it’s not just DeBoer’s work with the 2025 class that’s turning heads; he’s also making moves with the 2026 class. He even caught the attention of No.1 ATH Brandon Arrington, who feels DeBoer’s team is the perfect fit for him. Well, if you need more proof than words, then here’s something! Alabama’s recruiting still remains strong, holding the No. 2 spot nationally and No. 1 in the SEC, even without Saban at the helm. Noting that one fan remarked, “Bama still owns recruiting,” and another added, “DeBoer gets who he wants.” 

Even elite recruit Akylin Dear knew this well. As one user promptly pointed, “amazing this guy was almost going to go to the Powerhouse of Mississippi State but chose the small underdog of Alabama!” Now, with the recent signing of Courtney Morgan as GM for a hefty sum, Alabama’s front office is set for a boost. And it seems the DeBoer era in Tuscaloosa just began!