Why Alabama football ‘already feels’ different to Kalen DeBoer in 2025
Why Alabama Football “Already Feels” Different to Kalen DeBoer in 2025
When Kalen DeBoer, the head coach of the University of Washington football team, speaks about Alabama football in 2025, his words resonate with an interesting mix of respect, awe, and cautious optimism. Known for his keen insight into the college football world, DeBoer’s perspective on Alabama offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of college football under new circumstances. His statement that Alabama football “already feels different” in 2025 raises a compelling question: what exactly has changed for the storied Crimson Tide, and why is it already noticeable to coaches and fans alike?
The University of Alabama has long been a powerhouse in college football, with a storied history of dominance under legendary coach Nick Saban. Since Saban’s arrival in 2007, the Crimson Tide has become synonymous with championships, producing NFL talent at an impressive rate, and maintaining its elite status in the sport. However, like all dynasties, changes are inevitable. Whether it’s shifts in leadership, changes in personnel, or even the broader trends in the sport itself, Alabama’s identity is evolving.
As we explore why Alabama football “feels different” in 2025, it’s important to look at several key factors that contribute to this shift. From the changing of the guard in leadership to shifts in recruiting strategies, Alabama’s identity is no longer solely defined by the same elements that made them dominant for years. This article will examine how these changes reflect the broader transformation of college football, how they impact Alabama’s future, and why Kalen DeBoer has noticed these changes so early on in his tenure at Washington.
The End of an Era: Nick Saban’s Transition
The most obvious factor in the transformation of Alabama football is the transition away from Nick Saban, who has been the face of the program since 2007. In 2025, Saban is no longer the head coach of Alabama, marking a significant departure from the stability that he brought to the program. Saban’s coaching tree has already left its mark, with multiple former assistants going on to become head coaches, and his influence on the game will be felt for years to come.
When Kalen DeBoer talks about Alabama football “feeling different,” it’s likely that part of what he’s referencing is the absence of Saban’s omnipresent influence. Saban was a master tactician, a recruiter without equal, and a leader who defined the culture of the program. Under his guidance, Alabama maintained an unwavering level of excellence, consistently winning championships and developing NFL talent.
In 2025, however, Alabama is under the leadership of a new head coach, following Saban’s retirement or transition to a different role. This change in leadership is monumental because Saban’s personality and style permeated every facet of Alabama football. The culture, the daily practices, the recruiting – it was all molded by his approach. Now, with a new head coach at the helm, Alabama football is tasked with finding its identity outside of Saban’s shadow.
This is a common theme in college football. Programs that experience long periods of success often face a period of flux when their head coach moves on. The challenge lies in maintaining the level of excellence that Saban set, without replicating or mimicking his style. For Kalen DeBoer, who has seen the inner workings of college football from a different perspective as a head coach at Washington, the shifting dynamics at Alabama must be especially intriguing. The program is transitioning from an era of dominance into a new chapter, and that shift in energy and focus is palpable.
The Changing Landscape of College Football
In 2025, college football itself is experiencing significant changes that also affect Alabama. Perhaps one of the most important developments is the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP). With more teams now having a shot at making the postseason, the once-unquestioned dominance of programs like Alabama faces more competition than ever before. The addition of new teams and conferences to the playoff mix means that the road to the national championship is no longer as clear-cut for traditional powerhouses.
Alabama’s grip on the playoff system, which was once all but guaranteed every season, is now more tenuous. The broader field of teams now competing for spots in the CFP means that Alabama must navigate an increasingly competitive landscape, one that includes teams with aggressive recruiting strategies, innovative coaching styles, and increasingly sophisticated technology and player development. As Kalen DeBoer has seen firsthand at Washington, the gap between the elite programs and the rest of college football has narrowed, and that shift is impacting how teams like Alabama operate.
The evolving nature of college football, with new dynamics such as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the transfer portal, and increased parity, forces even the most dominant programs to rethink their strategies. The evolution of NIL and its influence on recruiting and player retention has introduced a new level of complexity, one that was not present during Saban’s heyday. Alabama’s ability to adapt to these changes while maintaining its high standards will be crucial for its continued success. As DeBoer observes, this adaptation process is not an overnight task, and it’s already evident that the program is undergoing a significant shift.
Recruiting and Player Development: Adapting to a New Era
Recruiting has always been one of Alabama’s strengths, with Nick Saban and his staff consistently landing some of the nation’s top high school players. Under Saban, Alabama was able to recruit and develop players in a way that allowed them to dominate the college football landscape. However, the introduction of NIL deals has made recruiting a far more complex and competitive arena.
In 2025, Alabama faces new challenges when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. While the Crimson Tide still enjoys a strong recruiting base and national appeal, the influence of NIL deals means that players have more options than ever before. Programs that were once relegated to the back of the pack now have the opportunity to offer lucrative deals, potentially diverting talent away from traditional powerhouses like Alabama.
For DeBoer, who has been building the University of Washington into a contender, the evolution of recruiting and its impact on teams like Alabama is evident. Schools with strong resources, like Washington and others in the Pacific Northwest, are finding ways to keep up with traditional powerhouses by making the most of the NIL landscape. In this new environment, Alabama must find ways to not only recruit the best athletes but also offer an experience that aligns with the changing expectations of the next generation of college football players.
With the shifting nature of the recruiting landscape, Alabama must also place a greater emphasis on player development. While talent is still paramount, coaches must now focus on more holistic ways to attract and retain players. This includes providing a comprehensive experience that goes beyond football, such as focusing on academic success, career development, and community outreach. Programs like Washington, under DeBoer’s leadership, are capitalizing on these factors, and Alabama is no exception.
The Changing Culture at Alabama
When Kalen DeBoer talks about how Alabama “already feels different,” part of what he may be observing is the shift in culture that is inevitably tied to the changing of the guard. For many years, Alabama’s culture was defined by a singular vision and philosophy: that of Nick Saban. His rigorous approach, which balanced discipline with elite-level coaching, became the hallmark of Alabama football.
However, as the program transitions into 2025, new leadership and new players bring a different energy to the team. The day-to-day operations may still maintain the high standards that Saban set, but there is bound to be a different atmosphere around the program. Changes in leadership often bring changes in culture, and DeBoer, having built a strong culture of his own at Washington, recognizes that cultural shifts are part and parcel of a new chapter for Alabama.
The pressure to uphold Alabama’s legacy of dominance will continue, but the expectations for the new era will likely be different. The incoming coach will need to forge his own identity while honoring the past accomplishments of the program. This dynamic is part of the “different” feeling that Kalen DeBoer refers to—there is both a palpable sense of excitement for what the future holds and a recognition of the immense challenge of living up to the standard set by Saban and previous generations.
Alabama’s Future in the Post-Saban Era
As the 2025 season unfolds, Alabama football is entering a new era with its share of challenges and opportunities. While the program’s future is still uncertain, the potential for success remains high. Alabama has the resources, the history, and the brand to remain a top-tier program, but the way it navigates the changing landscape of college football will determine how successful it will be in the post-Saban era.
For Kalen DeBoer, watching Alabama’s evolution offers a fascinating case study in how college football is shifting. DeBoer himself has experienced the challenges of growing a program, adapting to new trends, and handling the pressure of expectations. His recognition that Alabama already feels different in 2025 speaks to the broader transformation happening in college football, and how even the most dominant programs must continue to evolve in order to maintain their place at the top.
As Alabama adapts to these changes, it will be interesting to see how it rebounds and redefines its culture, identity, and recruitment strategies in the years to come. In the end, the key for Alabama—and for any program—is finding a balance between respecting the past and embracing the future. Kalen DeBoer’s observation is a reminder that the landscape of college football is constantly shifting, and those who adapt quickly are often the ones who continue to thrive.
