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For most of the 21st century, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide was the dominant force in college football. With relentless defense, elite recruiting, and an unparalleled "next man up" attitude, the Tide propelled legendary coach Nick Saban to six national championships. Yet no dynasty can last forever, and recent seasons have exposed vulnerabilities stemming from a long-term rebuild.
The loss of Nick Saban, Bama’s coach since 2007, coincided with uncharacteristic turbulence: a 9-4 record last season, no College Football Playoff berth, and a sixth-place finish in the SEC. The 2024 season was only the second time since 2010 that the Tide have failed to win more than 10 games, intensifying scrutiny on new coach Kalen DeBoer.
However, there is growing confidence in DeBoer’s roster retooling and the team’s balanced potential. ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) ranks them No. 3 nationally, projecting top-four units on offense and defense. According to Gambling.com, their FPI-derived national title probability of 10.4% ranks fourth, behind Texas, Georgia, and Ohio State.
Still, critical questions linger. The quarterback battle among Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack remains unresolved, and the offensive line features new transfers like Arkel Anugwom — a developmental project with limited FBS experience. Special teams face uncertainty, with punter Blake Doud transitioning from Division II. And based on the current odds, the Tide face high-pressure matchups against Georgia, Wisconsin, and Auburn throughout the 2025 season.
The retirement of Nick Saban from Alabama has left a program once synonymous with national championships and booking a near-yearly ticket to the SEC championship game in an unprecedented transition. In the first year of Kalen DeBoer's tenure as the new head coach, the program faced immediate problems, with a 9-4 record last year and a sixth-place SEC appearance. The lack of a CFP berth, even with the expansion of the playoff to 12 teams, was seen as a disaster.
Fast-forward to 2025, and a huge amount of change has occurred: Twenty-five players entered the transfer portal, and quarterback Jalen Milroe, linebacker Jihaad Campbell, and offensive lineman Tyler Booker declared for the NFL Draft.
DeBoer has many problems to fix. Defensively, the team was ranked tied-60th for sacks, and there are now critical gaps at linebacker and edge rusher. Coaching turnover has also compounded challenges, with DeBoer replacing nearly the entire staff and coordinating a new defensive scheme under new DC Kane Wommack.
Saban’s absence fundamentally altered the program’s identity. While preseason odds still project Alabama as a contender, reclaiming its throne hinges on navigating a brutal schedule and proving the foundation can thrive beyond its iconic leader.
Kalen DeBoer’s appointment as head coach of the Crimson Tide signalled a shift, introducing an offensive-minded, college-style coach after nearly 20 years of defensive-style, pro offense coaching from Nick Saban. At his previous programs, Fresno State and Washington, DeBoer’s system was characterized by aggressive passing schemes and tempo, using explosive plays, contrasting heavily with Saban’s ground-and-pound philosophy.
Pre-season indicators highlight promise and the challenges ahead. Spring practices showcased an offense with more fluidity, including from wideouts like Ryan Williams, whose deep threat will be pivotal to the more expansive style DeBoer demands. However, the challenges are stark—a huge roster turnover, including 25 transfers, means that friction is sure to emerge, especially as the pressure of last year’s 9-4 record weighs on the Tide.
Every conversation about key players in a college football season must begin with the play caller, and Junior Ty Simpson steps into immense pressure. He is tasked with succeeding a historic lineage of elite Alabama passers like Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young. Simpson’s ability to elevate his game or the potential emergence of Austin Mack or five-star recruit Keelon Russell will dictate the effectiveness of DeBoer’s system in 2025.
If he thrives, Simpson’s performance could also place him in early Heisman conversations.
Among transfers, senior wide receiver Isaiah Horton arrives with significant expectations. The 6-foot-4, 209-pound target, who showed steady growth at Miami with 56 catches for 616 yards and five touchdowns, brings a matchup-threatening presence essential for Kalen DeBoer’s aggressive passing scheme. His size and red-zone reliability could transform him into a primary weapon.
Defensively, all eyes remain on integrating Kane Wommack’s system and identifying playmakers to revive the pass rush, though specific leaders will solidify through preseason competition.
Entering the new season, sportsbooks have more optimism about the program's health. Alabama is priced around +1200 to win the National Championship, the sixth favorite to win the big dance, and +390 to win the SEC after Georgia, priced at +340, and Texas at +260.
While it’s clear that the sportsbooks do not consider the Tide as a lock in for the CFP National Championship Game in Miami in January 2026, there is a belief that Alabama will improve considerably in Year Two of the Kalen DeBoer project. The roster looks well balanced, but DeBoer must use his renowned “Old-School, New Generation” reputation to bring the best out of this group.
The odds and analytical models signal that Alabama is among the contenders, but popular opinion still seems unconvinced about the Tide’s ability to propel itself to a national championship. Ranked sixth in national title odds at major US sportsbooks and third in the SEC, key matchups against Georgia and Wisconsin, and its Iron Bowl clash with Auburn will be the deciding factor as to whether this program can reclaim its former glory.
The quarterback battle between Simpson, Mack, and Russell will be key. Russell’s ability is beyond question, but does he need time to bed in before taking the reins of a potentially explosive offense? Similarly, defensive changes need time to work out.
Overall, there are more questions than answers to whether this former dynasty will reemerge. While the infrastructure for success persists, translating potential into championships requires proving the "reload" mentality extends beyond talent to thriving under a new coaching identity in the post-Saban era.