One season is an eternity in college football. Nick Saban’s retirement was bound to cause a seismic earthquake in the sport as a collective. A little more than a year later, aftershocks still reverberate across the epicenter, Tuscaloosa. The problem for Alabama is that the shocks aren’t quite dissipating—in fact, they are tearing up the foundation. The house that Saban built is standing rather precariously under the care of Kalen DeBoer. The future of this blueblood is a concern now, not just among fans but the media.

Nick Saban’s reign of terror spanned over 2 decades. Heading into Tuscaloosa was akin to going to a family get-together—you know you’re in for a difficult time, and an old man is going to be the reason for it! Countless championships were won. Which makes the job a poisoned chalice for Kalen DeBoer since the standards are sky-high. Year 1 was always going to be a challenge, but DeBoer was afforded some leverage. However, this off-season activity hasn’t been particularly promising either. Which has led to a rational question—will Bama ever get back to their pedestal atop the sport?

Content creator and SEC insider “Sports Talk J” guested on the “College Football Addiction” YouTube channel. He was discussing which programs in the southeast are “Tier 1” heading into 2025. Not only does he think Bama isn’t quite there, but he also believes years for the Crimson Tide are past them. With no scope for a return. “Alabama’s dealing with the new reality of not being the king, which they were for so long,” said STJ. He proceeded to say something that is an underlying worry among the Bama faithful, which they wish to dismiss but can’t.

“Those Nick Saban years, I hope they enjoyed those. They’ll never see a run like that again,” claimed STJ. Every dynasty has to eventually end. This dynasty, in particular, didn’t just see a change in head coach with Kalen DeBoer. It also went through a change in the overarching rules and format of the sport itself. The host acknowledged that the CFP restructure is a factor in Bama’s downturn. “I don’t know if anybody will [see a run like that]. I think with the playoffs…You think about it. If Saban had to win four games in the playoffs, there would have been several years they still did it. But he’d probably have a National title or two less. I mean, just because it’s hard now,” they said.

Kalen DeBoer is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He knew what he was walking into, which is why he doesn’t need pity. That said, the standards the program and fans set for themselves need some adjustment. It’s no longer the era when Bama has dibs on every top recruit. NIL has brought about parity, and the playing field is naturally more level. This is a new era, and a clean slate sans any nostalgia for the past will perhaps serve all parties better. Whether you agree with it or not, the past cannot be replicated. DeBoer will have to carve his own lane, away from the trail Saban blazed. One of the first litmus tests that will challenge his restraint of staying on track has come along.

A test of Kalen DeBoer’s patience as he seeks to exit Nick Saban’s shadow

The term “true freshman” just doesn’t equate the same in the current makeup of CFB. The days of cagey high schoolers making the step up are almost a thing of the past. No more cagey, only courageous. Athletes are now ready for the jump. Bama’s own Ryan William is a testament to this. Indeed, Ryan Williams’ smooth transition to college presents Kalen DeBoer with a dilemma. Start 5-star QB Keelon Russell from the onset, or keep him away from the deep end as he learns his ropes? 

Russell’s case for being atop the depth chart as a true freshman is pretty airtight. He’s the Gatorade National Football POTY, for starters. He threw for over 4000 yards and 55 TDs in his senior year at Duncanville. He’s spearheaded them to 2 state championships. Now, Keelon Russell has been rated 100 on the 247Sports composite ranking. This makes him the highest-rated recruit in Bama history. Plus, Russell has no experienced quarterback to compete with. Both his contemporaries, Ty Simpson and Austin Mack, also have zero collegiate starts to their names. 

So, which direction does Kalen DeBoer head into? On the one hand, he can seek to kick his Bama stint into gear with a QB who’ll earn him reverence within the fanbase. They’ll like to see their coach take risks to get back to the top of the food chain. In theory, Russell has the talent to take the team up a notch. Conversely, he can make Russell prove his worth and allow him time as he enters this crucial phase of his career. Something more in line with convention and what Nick Saban will do. This conundrum will weigh on coach DeBoer deep into the off-season.