Alabama Ends Streak Under DeBoer's First Season

Kalen DeBoer's first season as Alabama's head coach ended with a disappointing 9-4 record, falling short of the 'Bama Standard' set by his predecessor, Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide's lack of intensity and preparation, particularly evident in their 19-13 ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan, has been a point of criticism. Fans and analysts, such as Paul Finebaum, have expressed concerns about DeBoer's ability to uphold Saban's legacy, citing the team's volatility and underperformance against lesser opponents like Vanderbilt. Despite this, Alabama's 2025 recruiting class, led by standout offensive linemen, offers a glimmer of hope for the future. DeBoer is urged to emulate Saban's rigorous approach to coaching if he hopes to achieve similar success. The season marked the end of Alabama's streak of consecutive double-digit win seasons, a run inherited from Saban who started with a similar record in his first year.