Kalen DeBoer believes video games aren’t just fun—they might actually be helping his Alabama players understand play progressions better!

The Crimson Tide head coach is all in on EA Sports CFB 25, giving it his full endorsement. DeBoer, in his first year leading the Alabama roster and stepping into the massive shoes of Nick Saban, is steering a championship-caliber team toward a title. Despite the pressure, he’s finding positives in everything, even video games.

In a recent chat with Mike Golic, DeBoer was excited to talk about how much his players are into the new EA Sports College Football game. He’s noticed that they’re picking up plays and strategies faster than ever, almost as if they’re straight out of the game. “Some of them know the read progression, and you’re like, how do they know that?” DeBoer said, clearly impressed by what his players are learning after the game’s release.

With multiple modes, including the ability to create a dynasty from scratch, the game seems to be making DeBoer’s job a bit easier. He added, “I guess there’s a positive element too, right? The things they do away from the facility. Especially at the end of the summer when it first came out, I know they were all in. I’m sure it’s being played more than I realize.”

Now, every athlete who opted into the game got a free copy of NCAA Football 25 and a $600 bonus. However, DeBoer is more focused on how it benefits his players beyond the money. Looks like all those hours of playing in front of the console are finally paying off. The Crimson Tides are already crushing it in fall camp!

Kalen DeBoer is off to a decent start

Fall camp is in full swing, and we’re already seeing what Kalen DeBoer can bring in the post-Nick Saban era. According to media reports, the new head coach is working his offensive magic. The quarterback Jalen Milroe is looking sharp along with his squad of receivers and tight ends.

Just two days ago, Milroe connected with WR Ryan Williams on a 50-yard touchdown, a play that DeBoer himself praised. “I thought the plays that are there, and you need to make that throw—I think they’re doing that at a higher level. Not just today, but throughout camp, getting better at it,” he said, noting their progress. He added, “I’m not just talking about Jalen; I’m talking about all of them.” Now, it’s quite clear the whole roster is stepping up.

But amidst the positives, there’s a bit of a sting for DeBoer and his team. The AP poll ranked Alabama at No. 5 in their top 25, which, while not bad, is a lower preseason ranking than the Crimson Tide has seen in over a decade. It seems the absence of Nick Saban is already being felt. Can DeBoer change this narrative and prove the doubters wrong?