Another season, another cause of worry for Kalen DeBoer. Entering his second year in Tuscaloosa, he’s on a road that could define his HC future. With the shadow of Nick Saban still looming, Alabama fans expect nothing less than an SEC title and a College Football Playoff berth. But national analysts aren’t so sure. Why? The Crimson Tide are set to face a brutal schedule while navigating a tough quarterback situation. 

Alabama has options, but they need an answer. So who will it be? Ty Simpson? Austin Mack? Or Keelon Russell? This is why analyst Ari Wasserman is skeptical about Kalen DeBoer’s crew in 2025. In a new episode of On3 on March 21, he rang the alarm bells saying, “Is it possible if Keelon Russell isn’t the savior and that they have a quarterback issue that Alabama goes 8-4 this year?” A 9-3 record last season gave sleepless nights to their HC. An 8-4 record would be a “major, major stepback” by their sky-high standards.

Andy Staples doubled down saying, “It would be a cataclysm at Alabama if they go 8-4 because they’re just so used to being great under Nick Saban.” The duo also discussed Alabama’s schedule where they’re set to meet revamped teams including Auburn, Oklahoma, LSU, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, and Georgia. There’s no room for errors. Georgia in Athens is a gauntlet as is the road game at Auburn. Home games at LSU, Oklahoma, and Tennessee could go either way. 

“Going 8-4 against this schedule would be rough,” Wasserman added. “It’s kind of hard to find four losses if Alabama is who we think they are.” See the level of expectations hurled on Kalen DeBoer’s shoulders is immense. The ceiling for Alabama could be 10-2. At worst? It’s hard to envision this SEC powerhouse going under 8-4, but anything could happen. Especially with them still juggling their three options at QB. 

Alabama WR Ryan Williams doesn’t know who to throw to

Even if the uncertainty at QB is bothering Alabama’s top playmakers, they aren’t showing it. Star WR Ryan Williams is still getting a feel for all the three QBs, taking reps with each to prepare for whoever wins the job. “Before we ever come out here, I may end up in the three group just so I can run with a different quarterback, two group, one group. It doesn’t really matter,” he said. “Just to get a feel for each quarterback because at the end of the day, it’s about football.”

Ryan Williams praised all three, calling them “efficient” and focused. But while Ty Simpson and Austin Mack bring experience, it’s their 5-star freshman Keelon Russell who carries the weight of expectations. “I know, for sure, it isn’t easy going into a role because the expectation is so high,” he said, speaking of Russell. “But I can see it in his eyes. He’s not worried about the expectation. He’s just worried about getting better every day and that’s what I love about this team. Everybody just wants to get better everyday.” 

April 12’s A-Day Spring game will offer the first real glimpse of what Alabama has at QB. Until then, the pressure on Kalen DeBoer is only going to build.