Things are already tough for head coaches to take up the role. The pressure gets 100x when you are succeeding someone like GOAT Nick Saban. And no one knows it better than Kalen DeBoer? As Saban left the seat, discipline problems started to creep into Tuscaloosa. Back in October, DeBoer’s boys came up with a 5-2 record, their worst record through seven games since 2007. They wrapped up the season with a 9-4 overall record. Amidst all this, Alabama’s tradition of witnessing top-level quarterback talent prevailed. But this time around, an analyst came with a shocking revelation. Meanwhile, DeBoer has found something to boast about in their recruiting trail.

Till the 2024 season, everything seemed to be under control in Tuscaloosa. The credit, for the most part, went to their quarterback room. They had their starting quarterback, Jalen Milroe, who relieved DeBoer of any more chaos. But this time around, he had to make the call between the trio – Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell. But there, too, they have attained clarity. Alabama’s newly appointed offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, met with reporters and straight up offered up that Simpson would be the starting quarterback if the season began this week. However, analyst Josh Pate is not quite pleased with this decision. After all, before DeBoer stepped, Alabama had been known as the factory of top quarterbacks.

You name them – Tua Tagovailoa, Greg McElroy, Bryce Young, Ty Simpson, and the list continues. Now, in case Simpson takes over, analyst Pate is still not convinced. As he said, “How good is Ty Simpson? We’ll see.” Same goes for the tailback room. It’s sad that even after producing 84 yards per game from the running back room, DeBoer did not land a running back. So, one question must be looming in the Alabama fans’ hearts. On The Next Round podcast, the hosts got it covered. They had Pate as their guest. Then came the most-anticipated question, “Where do you think the Alabama coach sees the most improvement in this team coming into his second year? Where do you think that is?”

Here came the most surprising answer that Crimson Tide fans might not have been prepared for. “I actually think it’s the DB room, I actually don’t think it’s the quarterback. I think they’ve put themselves in a position, year one to year two, where there are guys they started last year that through no fault of their own will be challenged for playing time this year. Because they have added quality depth.” 

However, Pate counts on DeBoer’s defensive back Dijon Lee to be coming off with flying colors. “You add guys like Dijon Lee, who most of the audience is somewhat familiar with if you follow recruiting. But the country’s not familiar with it yet. Yet that kid will be a stud. Walks in like 64 at corner and he’s a true freshman and he’s just good.” The standout defensive back at California’s Mission Viejo High School has been the top prospect from California in the 2025 class. Lee finished last season at Mission Viejo in California with 52 tackles, four interceptions, and two pass breakups. He is paired up with safety Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb. While DeBoer might flex about his DB room, here comes another major boost.

Kalen DeBoer defies all odds in this transfer season 

This spring portal has been too costly for some teams. For instance, Matt Rhule and the Nebraska Cornhuskers lost four players in a single morning. Unimaginable! Finally, the colleges can let out a sigh of relief as the portal window closed on Friday, April 25. And with this, DeBoer and Alabama’s one of the biggest achievements came forward. Going by the reports, Crimson Tide had retained all of its scholarship players. And guess what?

Alabama did not have any scholarship players fall into that category. With this, DeBoer’s program has made history. They became the only program in the SEC that did not have at least one scholarship player enter the transfer portal in the spring window. It’s indeed a big help for DeBoer as he can now retain his starters and also the depth. After all, amidst the clutches of NIL and the transfer portal, programs often struggle with robust depth. Amidst this boast, they are lucky to flex another phenom.

That’s none other than Kalen DeBoer’s 18-year-old phenom wide receiver – Ryan Williams. During Alabama’s second spring scrimmage, the young chap went missing. That’s because he suffered from an undisclosed injury, and DeBoer refused to take any further risks. But moving into this season, he has jumped on the hype train. As analyst Clint Lamb shared, “Ryan Williams is going to be kind of that alpha number one.” So, is Alabama on the brink of a new dynasty under DeBoer?