What to anticipate in Kalen DeBoer’s second season as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2025.

The Alabama Crimson Tide is one of the most storied programs in college football history, and after Nick Saban’s illustrious tenure, the spotlight is firmly on his successor, Kalen DeBoer. Following a successful first season at the helm in 2024, where DeBoer guided Alabama to an impressive campaign, the 2025 season will see the head coach continue to build upon the foundation he established. However, with the heightened expectations that come with being at the helm of one of college football’s most successful programs, it’s no surprise that DeBoer’s second season will be under immense scrutiny.

In 2024, DeBoer showed that he had the temperament and tactical acumen to lead a program like Alabama, but 2025 will test his ability to adapt to new challenges. Whether it’s managing player development, keeping the team competitive in a loaded SEC, or adjusting to the evolving college football landscape, DeBoer’s next season promises to be one of constant evolution and growing success.

1. Offensive Philosophy and Development

One of the most significant changes Alabama fans will witness in 2025 is the continued evolution of the offense under DeBoer’s guidance. In his first season, DeBoer demonstrated a willingness to adjust his system to maximize the strengths of his players, particularly quarterback Ty Simpson. His play-calling was marked by a balanced offensive approach, combining a potent ground game with an efficient passing attack. DeBoer, known for his offensive expertise, has a reputation for developing dynamic offenses that execute at a high level.

The 2025 season will likely see a more refined offensive system, with DeBoer having more time to implement his schemes and install his preferred offensive identity. In 2024, the Crimson Tide offense often found itself bogged down by inconsistency, particularly when it came to the quarterback play and the wide receivers’ ability to separate from defenders. While Simpson showed promise, DeBoer will be looking to further develop the passing game in 2025, making it more explosive and dynamic.

The Quarterback Competition

A significant storyline heading into 2025 will be the quarterback competition. Ty Simpson, who played significant snaps in 2024, will likely enter spring practices as the presumptive starter. However, the emergence of redshirt freshman Kalen DeBoer, who shares the same name as his head coach, could make the competition more intriguing. Regardless of who starts, the key question will be whether DeBoer can develop the quarterback position to a level that Alabama fans expect—one that is capable of carrying the team in high-pressure situations.

In his second season, DeBoer will look to ensure that his quarterbacks are more comfortable in the pocket, make quicker reads, and maintain poise under pressure. His background in offensive innovation and development will serve as an invaluable asset in ensuring that Alabama’s quarterbacks are ready to take full command of the offense.

Relying on the Running Game

Although the passing game will be a key focus in 2025, DeBoer will undoubtedly continue to rely on Alabama’s hallmark running game. With a top-tier offensive line and an elite group of running backs, including junior Jahmyr Gibbs and a collection of other talented backs, DeBoer’s offensive scheme will likely emphasize a ground-and-pound approach, mixing in quick, efficient passes to keep defenses off-balance. The running backs will play a significant role in providing balance and taking pressure off the quarterbacks, particularly in the early parts of the season.

By utilizing a powerful running attack, DeBoer will continue to balance his offense, controlling the clock and setting up the play-action passing game that will likely be a staple of his offensive strategy in 2025. This balance will be crucial as he works to develop a more explosive passing game without sacrificing the strength of the running game that has historically defined Alabama football.

2. Defensive Continuity and Adaptation

While the offense will be a focal point of DeBoer’s second season, he cannot afford to neglect the defense. Alabama has long been known for having one of the most dominant defenses in college football, and maintaining that tradition will be a key part of DeBoer’s success in year two. In 2024, under defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, the Crimson Tide had a defense that was strong against both the run and the pass, ranking among the top teams in the country in several defensive metrics.

In 2025, continuity will be vital, as DeBoer will work to further refine the defense while adjusting to the changes in the game. The Alabama defense, which lost some key contributors in 2024, will need new stars to emerge to fill those gaps. However, with a robust recruiting class coming in, DeBoer will have the talent to reload, and with Steele’s leadership, the defensive unit should be able to maintain its excellence.

Pressure Up Front

One of the most significant areas of focus will be the defensive line. In 2024, the Alabama defense thrived in pass-rush situations, and in 2025, the pressure on opposing quarterbacks will likely remain a key point of emphasis. With elite recruits like five-star defensive lineman James Smith coming in, the defensive line should be an area of strength. DeBoer and Steele will need to continue developing a rotation of linemen capable of generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which will, in turn, help the secondary.

Having a formidable defensive line will also allow Alabama to get more aggressive in coverage, perhaps running more blitz packages and creating opportunities for turnovers. If the defensive line can maintain its effectiveness in 2025, Alabama will have a foundation to build a defense that can once again compete for national championships.

Secondary Development

While the defensive line is important, DeBoer will also need to ensure that the secondary remains a strength. In 2024, Alabama’s secondary was solid but not dominant, with several young players needing more experience to reach their full potential. By 2025, DeBoer’s second season, Alabama’s secondary should be much more experienced, with players like Kool-Aid McKinstry, who showed flashes of brilliance, expected to take on bigger leadership roles.

The biggest challenge for DeBoer will be developing depth in the secondary, as injuries can quickly decimate a unit that relies on a high level of communication and cohesion. If the secondary can improve its consistency, Alabama will be poised to limit big plays in the passing game and shut down some of the more potent offenses in the SEC.

3. Managing the SEC Gauntlet

In 2025, one of the most significant tests for DeBoer will be navigating the brutal SEC schedule. Alabama’s position in the conference means that every game is critical, and with DeBoer still working to establish his identity as head coach, the pressure to perform in high-stakes games will be immense. The SEC West, in particular, will be highly competitive, with teams like LSU, Mississippi State, and Auburn consistently fielding strong squads. Additionally, the rivalry with Georgia, the defending national champions, will always be a massive challenge.

The key to DeBoer’s success in 2025 will be his ability to make in-game adjustments, develop his roster depth, and create a winning culture, especially in those tough SEC matchups. Alabama’s roster will be loaded with talent, but DeBoer must find ways to manage injuries, keep players focused, and push them to perform under pressure, especially in key games like the Iron Bowl or the SEC Championship Game.

4. Recruiting and Program Building

Another area that will be closely watched in 2025 is DeBoer’s ability to continue building Alabama’s recruiting pipeline. Although he inherited a program that was already a recruiting juggernaut, DeBoer’s ability to secure top-tier talent and develop that talent will define the long-term success of his tenure. With Alabama consistently attracting the best players in the nation, DeBoer’s second season will see him focused on solidifying relationships with recruits, showcasing his vision for the future, and continuing to bring in a new wave of top-tier prospects.

Furthermore, DeBoer will need to ensure that Alabama remains competitive in the transfer portal, particularly in positions where the team may need immediate impact players. Whether it’s adding depth at quarterback, receiver, or in the secondary, DeBoer’s ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football will be essential to staying competitive.

5. Expectations and the Pressure to Succeed

The biggest question surrounding Kalen DeBoer’s second season will be how he handles the pressure. Alabama fans, accustomed to winning, will expect nothing less than championship-level performance. While DeBoer’s first season showed promise, 2025 will bring with it heightened expectations. Not only will Alabama fans want to see a competitive team, but they will also expect the program to continue to contend for SEC titles and national championships.

DeBoer’s ability to balance those expectations while keeping his team focused will be key. As a relatively young head coach, managing the mental and emotional aspects of coaching at Alabama will be just as important as the tactical side. With a deep roster, strong coaching staff, and a championship pedigree, the foundation is in place for a successful second season under Kalen DeBoer.