Kalen DeBoer stepped into one of the most demanding jobs in college football when he took over the Alabama program following Nick Saban’s legendary run. In the 2024 season, he navigated a tough transition period, dealing with high player turnover and the growing pains of a new coaching era. Despite the challenges, DeBoer led Alabama to a respectable 9-4 record — not quite at the championship standard set by Saban, but a solid showing given the circumstances.
However, heading into his second season, the expectations will only intensify. At Alabama, “decent” isn’t enough — excellence is the only acceptable standard. After years of dominance under Saban, anything less than competing for national titles is seen as falling short. But DeBoer isn’t shying away from the challenge — in fact, the outlook for 2025 already offers reasons for optimism.
DeBoer has assembled one of the most talented recruiting classes in the country for the 2025 season. According to 247 Sports, Alabama’s class includes three 5-star players and several 4-star prospects rated 95 or higher. Leading the group is quarterback Keelon Russell, a 5-star talent with a perfect 100 rating. Russell is already drawing attention as a potential game-changer for the Crimson Tide, but what sets him apart?
Reports from within the program paint a promising picture of Russell. He’s already enrolled at Alabama, impressing both in the weight room and with his work ethic. Coaches and teammates describe him as a hard worker who puts in extra hours and takes his leadership responsibilities seriously — a promising sign for a young quarterback preparing to lead one of the nation’s most high-profile programs.
At 6’3” and 175 pounds, Russell brings more than just size to the table. His decision-making on the field is highly praised, as he completed 70.8% of his passes in high school. He’s capable of attacking defenses at every level, balancing calculated risks with smart play. One concern scouts noted was his lean frame, but he’s already putting in extra time in the weight room to address that issue — a positive sign for his development.
In addition to Russell, Alabama’s 2025 roster received a boost with the addition of Jayden Hobson, a former SEC offensive lineman. Hobson, a Tuscaloosa native, started his college career at Mississippi State before transferring to South Alabama. After sitting out the 2024 season, he’s now part of Alabama’s roster, adding valuable depth at offensive tackle. Interestingly, he’s also listed as a tight end, meaning he could contribute in multiple roles.
Alabama will open its 2025 campaign with a road matchup against Florida State — a team that struggled last season, making it a manageable first test. But before that, Alabama’s spring practices, running through April 12, will provide players like Hobson a chance to make their case for key roles on the team.
As DeBoer enters year two, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With elite talent arriving and key additions like Russell and Hobson, the pieces are in place for Alabama to chase a return to championship form. Whether DeBoer can meet Alabama’s sky-high standards or whether the program’s golden era is fading remains the question — and the 2025 season will go a long way toward answering it.