The Alabama Crimson Tide football team is entering a new era as they prepare to kick off their season against Western Kentucky on August 31st.
With Nick Saban no longer at the helm, the team is now under the leadership of Kalen DeBoer, who led Washington to a national championship appearance last season. Although DeBoer has a strong coaching record, replacing a legendary figure like Saban is a monumental challenge.
In the preseason rankings, Alabama typically occupies a top-three spot in the AP Top 25 Poll. This year, they secured the fifth position, suggesting that the departure of Saban hasn’t drastically altered their standing in the eyes of many voters.
However, the Pro Football Focus (PFF) poll placed them at a less familiar seventh position, behind SEC rivals Georgia, Ole Miss, and Texas. This lower ranking is unusual for Alabama, a team accustomed to being a dominant force in college football.
Despite this unexpected position, DeBoer’s coaching abilities and the promising partnership with quarterback Jalen Milroe offer hope that Alabama will remain competitive in the SEC and secure a spot in the playoffs.
