Even though the 2024 college football season didn’t go in favor of Kalen DeBoer and the (9-4) Alabama Crimson Tide, there is much to be excited about heading into the 2025 season.

The unknown at the quarterback position will be a big factor in the Tide’s success next year, but they bring back one of the best rosters in the sport as well as adding the No. 2 recruiting class in the 2025 cycle. Alabama was able to keep a few key pieces in town like Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson and Jalen Mbakwe who many thought would depart for the NFL and transfer portal.

USA TODAY Sports released their way-too-early CFB rankings for next season where they have the Crimson Tide ranked No. 3 behind only Ohio State and Texas saying,

“This is Alabama and Kalen DeBoer is under pressure after an inaugural season with four losses and the departure of quarterback Jalen Milroe. Ty Simpson is the expected replacement, and the skill positions look to be well-stocked with WR Ryan Williams likely to have more impact in his sophomore season. LB Deontae Lawson should be the anchor of a strong defense that has depth in the front seven and key returners in the secondary. This might be the best team in the SEC by the end of the season.”

DeBoer has a proven track record of winning everywhere he’s been, now with a year of experience in the SEC under his belt, I think he will clean up a lot of the things that plagued the Crimson Tide in 2025. After all, it’s hard to imagine Alabama missing the Playoff in consecutive years.

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