Kalen DeBoer is gearing up to lead Alabama into a new post-Nick Saban era. While it might seem like an easy task to take over a team that Saban built into a championship powerhouse, the reality is a bit more complicated. DeBoer is already facing some challenges, and the first one came this Monday with the release of the coveted AP preseason poll.

If you expected Alabama and Georgia to dominate the top two spots, you’re in for a partial surprise. While Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs secured the number one spot, DeBoer’s Crimson Tide fell back to fifth place. Now, that’s not terrible for a new HC, but it’s certainly not what Alabama fans are used to. CFB analyst Paul Finebaum weighed in on the situation during ESPN’s SportsCenter.

Host Matt Barrie asked Finebaum about Alabama’s slip in the rankings. Finebaum pointed out, “Alabama at No. 5. That may be a career achievement for some schools, but for Alabama, it is the lowest preseason ranking since 2009.” He reminded everyone that Nick Saban’s second year with the Crimson Tide got them a national championship, setting a high bar. Soon followed 9 SEC titles and 5 more national championships under his belt. Since then, Alabama has been a top-three team in the AP Poll for over a decade, so this year’s ranking is a significant drop.

Finebaum noted, “Kalen DeBoer is probably okay with number 5. He is still third in the SEC, expected to make a serious run at the playoffs.” While acknowledging that it’s a decent start for DeBoer, he added, “But it’s startling to see a non-Nick Saban team rank that low.”

While some might be bummed about the low ranking, the hype around the DeBoer era in Alabama is slowly gaining foot. 

Kalen DeBoer builds a positive culture in Saban’s absence

Former Washington Huskies HC Kalen DeBoer took over the Crimson Tide earlier this year, stepping into the big shoes left by GOAT Saban. While Saban was known for his intense, tough-love approach, DeBoer is making his mark by breaking the mold and bringing a more player-friendly style to Alabama.

Unlike Saban’s rigorous practice sessions, DeBoer has introduced early morning practices, giving players more personal time. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe also mentioned how DeBoer encourages them to celebrate their best plays amidst practice. To top it off, DeBoer even brought in an ice cream truck earlier this week to reward the players after a fall practice session. Now, this positive start hasn’t gone unnoticed. This August 7th, CFB expert Joel Klatt expressed his support for DeBoer on his podcast, saying, “Obviously, we expect a lot out of Alabama. They have been on a run under Nick Saban that has been totally unprecedented, and now they’re going to change head coaches to a guy that I firmly believe in — Kalen DeBoer.”

DeBoer is already proving his capabilities by securing 21 new commitments for next year’s class. While these early signs are promising, let’s see if his positive reinforcements will be as effective as Saban’s tough love.