The Alabama Crimson Tide reached the College Football Playoff in Kalen DeBoer’s second season. However, the program faces major challenges to repeat that success in 2026.
Alabama needs to find a new quarterback following Ty Simpson’s selection as a first-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams. The team is considering Keelon Russell or Austin Mack as his replacement. Improving the offense, particularly in the running game, is crucial. Yet, Alabama lost a significant recruit, Hollywood Smothers, to Texas.
Programs like Texas, LSU, and Georgia are investing heavily in their rosters. During an interview with Garry L. Harris of WVUA 23, DeBoer emphasized the importance of fan support to attract elite players. “We’ve got to continue to grow,” DeBoer stated. “There’s no question. We’ve got to continue to adjust to the times. We’ve got to continue to push the envelope. We need the support of anyone that wants to be a part of it.” He stressed the necessity of NIL support to secure top talent.
In April, DeBoer extended his contract for seven years, valued at $87.7 million. He holds a 20-8 record over two seasons. Despite the challenges in recruiting for the 2027 class, with 247 Sports ranking Alabama at No. 71, DeBoer remains optimistic. “I think we’re very competitive,” he remarked.
He noted Alabama’s strong resources in the SEC. “When we’re able to be competitive, I think what our staff brings, what this program has, and what we have for our players, the amount of investment that we put into each scholarship guy that’s on this football team, I just don’t know another program that can give what we give our guys.”
Alabama aims to stay competitive, yet they must match the NIL funding levels of their SEC and Big Ten counterparts to achieve the dominance seen under Nick Saban.