Alabama football is just 99 days away, and The Joe Gaither Show breaks down what fans can expect this season.

With just 99 days left until Alabama football returns to Bryant-Denny Stadium, anticipation is building across Tuscaloosa and throughout college football. But this upcoming season is unlike any other in recent memory — the Nick Saban era has officially come to a close, and Kalen DeBoer is now the man tasked with guiding the Crimson Tide into a new chapter of dominance. As fans count down the days, The Joe Gaither Show offers timely insight, analysis, and enthusiasm about what’s to come.

From roster breakdowns and coaching changes to recruiting battles and schedule previews, The Joe Gaither Show is diving deep into all things Alabama football. With nearly 100 days to go, now’s the time to get a pulse on what fans can expect from the Tide in 2025.

Life After Saban: Kalen DeBoer’s Vision for the Tide

One of the most talked-about topics on The Joe Gaither Show is, unsurprisingly, the coaching transition. After 17 years and six national championships, Nick Saban’s retirement marked the end of an era. His replacement, Kalen DeBoer, arrives from Washington, where he led the Huskies to the national title game in 2024 and compiled an impressive 25–3 record in two seasons.

Joe Gaither emphasizes that while the shoes are massive to fill, DeBoer brings a modern, offensively creative system that could reshape the identity of Alabama football. “This isn’t about trying to copy Saban,” Gaither said. “It’s about taking what worked and evolving it for the future.”

DeBoer’s offense is quarterback-friendly, fast-paced, and adaptable — a stark contrast to the pro-style, defense-first blueprint that defined much of the Saban era. While some fans are apprehensive, Gaither assures them that DeBoer’s track record suggests he’s ready for the spotlight.

Quarterback Battle: The Most Important Position

One of the biggest questions heading into the 2025 season is who will lead the offense under center. Jalen Milroe, who stepped up in 2023 and led Alabama to an SEC Championship, entered the 2024 season with high expectations but struggled at times with consistency and fit in the new offensive scheme.

With Milroe now off to the NFL, all eyes are on the upcoming quarterback competition. Ty Simpson, Dylan Lonergan, and true freshman Julian Sayin — one of the top-rated quarterbacks in his class — are all in the mix. The Joe Gaither Show has explored each player’s strengths and weaknesses, comparing their styles to what DeBoer has worked with in the past.

Sayin has garnered plenty of attention, with his polished mechanics and elite football IQ drawing comparisons to former Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. However, Lonergan’s experience with the program and Simpson’s athletic upside also make them intriguing candidates.

“This is DeBoer’s first real test: picking a leader who fits his system and has the poise to handle SEC defenses,” Gaither said. Expect the battle to play out well into fall camp.

Offensive Overhaul: New Schemes and Key Returners

The Alabama offense will look noticeably different in 2025. Under DeBoer, expect a more vertical passing attack with greater emphasis on spacing, tempo, and creative play designs. That could be great news for Alabama’s wide receiver corps, which returns a strong group of pass catchers.

Isaiah Bond, Kendrick Law, and Malik Benson are names to watch, all of whom showed flashes of brilliance in 2024. With improved quarterback play and more freedom in the scheme, they could emerge as one of the best receiving units in the SEC.

At running back, Alabama remains loaded. Jam Miller and Justice Haynes are set to split carries, both offering physicality and burst out of the backfield. The offensive line, traditionally a strength, is being retooled but retains foundational talent, especially with Tyler Booker anchoring the unit.

Gaither’s take: “This group has the tools to be explosive. The key will be adapting to the tempo and rhythm that DeBoer demands.”

Defense Under Construction: Adjusting Without Saban

If there’s one area where Saban’s departure will be most keenly felt, it’s on the defensive side of the ball. Known for his mastery of defensive schemes, Saban consistently fielded top-ranked units filled with NFL talent. While the 2024 defense didn’t reach historic heights, it still performed at a championship level.

DeBoer retained several defensive staffers but brought in new coordinator William Inge, who followed him from Washington. Inge’s philosophy emphasizes versatility and aggression, but he faces the monumental task of upholding Alabama’s defensive legacy.

The linebacker corps will be led by Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell, while the secondary looks to rebuild after several departures to the NFL. Caleb Downs’ transfer to Ohio State was a major blow, but young talent like Jahlil Hurley and Tony Mitchell offers promise.

On the show, Gaither stressed patience: “Don’t expect perfection early. This group needs to gel under new leadership. But by midseason, it could be very dangerous.”

The Schedule: Navigating a New SEC Format

One of the biggest adjustments in 2025 is the new-look SEC schedule, now expanded to 16 teams with Texas and Oklahoma officially in the fold. The Joe Gaither Show has already broken down Alabama’s opponents, highlighting key matchups and potential trap games.

Here are a few of the most anticipated games:

• vs. Georgia: A mid-season showdown that could determine the SEC pecking order.
• at LSU: Always a brutal road environment, and now even more so under Brian Kelly’s system.
• vs. Texas: A rematch of the 2023 classic that ended in heartbreak for the Tide. Expect revenge to be a theme.
• at Oklahoma: A first-time SEC road trip to Norman will test Alabama’s composure.

The schedule is challenging but manageable. As Gaither put it, “If Alabama gets strong quarterback play and the defense comes together, there’s a path to the CFP.”

Recruiting and the Transfer Portal: Alabama Reloads

Even after Saban’s retirement, Alabama remains a top destination for elite recruits. DeBoer has done a commendable job retaining key commits and adding to the roster via the transfer portal.

The 2025 recruiting class currently ranks in the top five nationally, featuring blue-chip talent on both sides of the ball. Key additions include 5-star offensive tackle Mason Henderson, linebacker Jayden Hardy, and wide receiver Dre’Quan Simmons.

Gaither also noted the importance of portal pickups. “DeBoer brought in guys who fit his system — veterans who can help accelerate the transition,” he said.

One major name to watch: tight end Arlis Boardingham, a versatile weapon expected to thrive in DeBoer’s offense.

Fan Expectations: Hope, Caution, and Curiosity

There’s an undeniable sense of curiosity around this Alabama team. For the first time in nearly two decades, the Crimson Tide are entering a season without the stability of Saban. That’s unnerving for some fans — but also exciting.

Gaither often talks about how the fanbase is shifting from certainty to cautious optimism. “The standard hasn’t changed — championships are still the goal,” he said. “But there’s also a sense that we’re about to witness something new and dynamic.”

From season ticket sales to online engagement, the energy around Alabama football is as strong as ever. Bryant-Denny will still be packed. The expectations remain sky-high.

Final Thoughts: Countdown to a New Era

With 99 days to go until kickoff, The Joe Gaither Show has become a go-to source for Alabama football fans eager to understand what’s ahead. The countdown isn’t just about time — it’s about transformation. A new coach. A new offense. A new approach to a timeless standard.

Yes, the pressure is immense. But so is the opportunity. Kalen DeBoer isn’t here to replace Nick Saban — he’s here to write his own chapter in Alabama’s storied history. And if early signs are any indication, it could be a thrilling ride.

So, as the countdown clock ticks away, Alabama fans everywhere are tuning in, gearing up, and getting ready to say something they’ve said for generations — “Roll Tide.”