The Alabama Crimson Tide made the College Football Playoff in Kalen DeBoer’s second season, but the program faces an uphill battle to return in 2026.
The Crimson Tide are set to replace quarterback Ty Simpson, a first-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams, with either Keelon Russell or Austin Mack. Alabama needed to improve its offense, especially in the run game, but lost a key recruiting battle to Texas when Hollywood Smothers chose the Longhorns.
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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Head coach Kalen Deboer of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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During an interview with Garry L. Harris of WVUA 23 on Wednesday, DeBoer called for more fans to support the program so Alabama can get elite players.
“We’ve got to continue to grow,” DeBoer said. “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.
“And I think more and more people do understand that you can have an awesome staff, but you’ve got to have the NIL support to be able to get the players because they’re the ones that make the plays on Saturdays.”
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In April, DeBoer signed a new seven-year contract extension worth $87.7 million. He has a 20-8 record through two seasons.
DeBoer and Alabama are off to a rough start in recruiting for the 2027 class. Per 247 Sports, the Crimson Tide are ranked No. 71.
DeBoer does believe Alabama has the resources to field a competitive team in the SEC.
“I think we’re very competitive, and that’s what I ask,” DeBoer said. “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.”
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While Alabama can remain competitive, it won’t see the same dominance that Nick Saban had with the program until the Crimson Tide can match its SEC and Big Ten competitors with NIL funding.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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