Introduction

Kalen DeBoer’s inaugural season at Alabama has proven to be a turbulent journey, culminating in a disappointing 24-3 defeat against unranked Oklahoma. This loss sealed Alabama’s fate in the College Football Playoff dream, leaving them with a record of 8-3 and eliminating their hopes of competing in the SEC Championship. The upcoming Iron Bowl loses its usual significance as well, now devoid of playoff implications, even as the Tigers ride high off a stunning upset victory over No. 15 Texas A&M.

Season Review

The rollercoaster ride of the season saw occasional highs, such as a thrilling victory over Georgia, but these were overshadowed by monumental lows. Under DeBoer’s leadership, Alabama held the No. 1 ranking in the nation only to suffer an unprecedented loss to unranked Vanderbilt—a shocking upset that would have been unthinkable during Nick Saban’s era. The defeat against Oklahoma marked Alabama's largest loss to an unranked team since 1998, raising serious questions about the direction of the program.

Quarterback Situation

Despite the preseason buzz surrounding this Alabama team, which many believed could compete for a national title, a multitude of issues surfaced throughout the season. Quarterback Jalen Milroe struggled significantly, particularly against Oklahoma's defense, where he gained only 7 rushing yards from 15 attempts and threw three costly interceptions. This regression could force critical changes within the program, especially as Milroe is expected to transition to the NFL.

Looking Ahead

Looking toward the future, DeBoer faces a daunting task of revitalizing the Tide. Top on the agenda is identifying the right quarterback. Milroe's style was always challenged by DeBoer’s preferences for a more traditional passing attack. As Milroe departs, former five-star recruit Ty Simpson seems poised to step in. However, the competition intensifies with the addition of Washington transfer Austin Mack and the highly touted 2025 recruit Keelon Russell. Ensuring that the next quarterback can effectively utilize the talents of standout freshman receiver Ryan Williams will be crucial.

Coaching Staff Evaluation

Alongside quarterback concerns, a thorough evaluation of DeBoer’s coaching staff is vital. This season saw clear indicators that the Tide's signature defensive scheme was vulnerable to counterattacks. DeBoer will have to determine if adjustments can be made or if a change in philosophy and strategy is needed. Additionally, the offensive line—expected to be one of the team's strengths—failed to meet expectations. Addressing whether this was due to coaching or underperformance will be imperative.

Defensive Strategy

Finally, a pressing need remains for a “game-wrecker” on defense, a player capable of changing the course of a game. While Alabama did secure promising talent like LT Overton from the transfer portal, the loss of veteran defensive leaders indicates a substantial gap. The Crimson Tide will likely have to delve into the transfer market, where acquiring immediate-impact players could demand hefty financial investments.

Conclusion

As Kalen DeBoer gears up for a critical offseason, the stakes have never been higher for Alabama football. Will he be able to rise to the occasion and put this legendary program back on track, or will the struggles of his first year herald a more significant crisis in the making? Only time will tell, but fans are anxiously awaiting a resurgence.