College football fans, brace yourselves — ESPN just dropped a bombshell preview of the 2025 season, and one of its most compelling storylines is unfolding right in Tuscaloosa. In a feature released exactly 100 days before Week 0 kicks off, ESPN highlighted the Top 10 Storylines for the upcoming season, and sitting firmly at No. 3 is none other than Kalen DeBoer’s high-stakes Year 2 at Alabama.
Replacing the legendary Nick Saban, arguably the greatest college football coach of all time, was never going to be a walk in the park. Saban built a dynasty — six national titles, countless SEC crowns, and an unmatched legacy. So when DeBoer left Washington after leading the Huskies to a national title game appearance, he stepped into a pressure cooker unlike any other in college football.
As ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura put it, “While that dynamic is probably unfair, that doesn’t make DeBoer’s task any easier.” He’s absolutely right. Alabama football isn’t just a program — it’s a tradition, and expectations remain sky-high, no matter who holds the whistle.
Last season was rocky, to say the least. DeBoer’s debut in Tuscaloosa started off with promise. The Crimson Tide looked poised to continue their dominance early in the year, but then came October — and with it, a brutal reality check. A sluggish November loss to Oklahoma ended their playoff hopes, and a disappointing bowl game defeat to Michigan capped off a rare 4-loss season. For most programs, 9-4 might be considered respectable. At Alabama, it’s a crisis.
That’s why 2025 is make-or-break for DeBoer. The “transitional” grace period is over. He’s had time to mold the roster, install his system, and settle into the massive shoes he’s trying to fill. But as any Bama fan knows, there’s no such thing as a rebuilding year in Tuscaloosa — just reloads and rings.
DeBoer won’t have to wait long for the spotlight. Alabama opens the 2025 season at Florida State in a blockbuster 3:30 p.m. ET showdown in Tallahassee. With national eyes watching and championship ambitions on the line, DeBoer and the Tide must come out swinging.
This is one of the juiciest narratives in college football right now. Can DeBoer silence the critics, rally the Tide, and start building his own legacy — or will Nick Saban’s shadow continue to cast doubt over Alabama’s new era?
One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on Tuscaloosa this fall. Share this if you’re ready for one of the most dramatic seasons in recent Alabama history!
