When someone like Nick Saban departs from a team after leading them to unparalleled glories, what usually follows is a period of performance slump. That’s exactly what was expected after Saban decided to call it a day at the end of his 2023 season at Alabama. But then came the announcement of Kalen DeBoer, who was to take reigns from Saban. Things started to look a bit not so gloomy. And why would they not?

This was the coach who led Washington to their 2023 national championship final after an unbeatable regular season. This was exactly the coach who Saban needed to hand over the baton. The worries started to fade partly because a coach as accomplished as DeBoer was at the helm. But, also because Bama still had their top-notch recruiting classes that ranked 2nd nationally in 2024 and 1st in 2023. The future looked bright, and the 2024 season began with a bit more optimism. What followed next?

Well, that is not at all a secret as Bama began their season on the back of 4 wins that also included a 41-34 humbling of Georgia. The next game would see them face Vanderbilt and it was looking quite ‘easy-peasy’. Alabama lost the game. This was not just a loss, but a loss handed by a team that hadn’t defeated Bama in 40 years. Talk of crumbling legacy? This was the first major sign amongst many that would come in the 2024 season. Bama finished the season at 9-4, failing to qualify for playoffs (in a 12-team playoff) and breaking a streak of winning 10+ games after 16 years. So, after a season that was Un-Bama-like by all standards, an SEC insider has an ultimatum for De Boer.

SEC Mike of ‘The SEC Football Podcast’ was talking about the future pressure and consequences that will surround De Boer. “I think most people have Alabama probably as the number five roster but it may be better than that. Where you know seven eight wins is if you have the best roster. If they don’t win 10 or more I would fire his (De Boer) a–“. Well, Alabama is currently ranked 4th overall (247 Sports) in their recruitment roster of 2025, having 18 enrollees and 9 transfers. But do they have the requisite firepower in that?

Well, yes. They have three 5-star rated prospects in Keelon Russel (QB), Michael Carroll (IOL), and Dijon Lee (CB). But that doesn’t quite guarantee their 10 wins, right? Well, yes. They still will have to address their QB problem in Jalen Milroe, who was constantly criticized for his poor performances. Especially in their bowl game against Michigan. But their QB is not the sole problem in their offense, as their O line also gave away too many leaks and failed to provide openings for rushing plays to compensate for Milroe’s slump in form. For context, hear this…

DeBoer got a trick up his sleeve to weather the storm?

In their conference only they were ranked 7th in yards gained per game, and their passing yards per game placed them behind colleges like Auburn and Arkansas. Their rushing yards per game were also not quite up to the mark as they rushed 173.8 yards per game. Their defense also allowed too many yards (320 yards per game) and didn’t perform at their usual standards. So, what’s next for them?

Well, they may have a solution to their QB problem now after a recruitment steal by De Boer. Yes, it’s none other than the 2025 5-star QB prospect Keelon Russel, who promises to provide more than they can digest. The freshman QB had been rated 100 on 2547 Sports, a rare feat and the highest recruit in the history of Alabama football. He looks quite well adept at his game too as evident by his 4000 yards and 55 TDs in his senior year. The verdict?

Well, Keelon Russel is someone who looks like a fit prospect to take the QB1 position at Alabama. Sure, they still have Ty Simpson and Austin Mack. But, both of these prospects are at quite redshirt levels and haven’t got the exposure to take the mantle. Now, Kalen De Boer will only hope that his quarterback problem will go away and that fans will be more supportive, as they earlier called on pressing the $70 million buyout clause to fire him if needed.