ESPN's early Top 25 projects Alabama outside CFP contention. With recruiting losses and looming questions, Kalen DeBoer faces a critical 2026 season.
As spring football winds down for college football, some are still waiting on the news of progress on Kalen DeBoer's contract extension with Alabama.
During the College Football Playoff, reports surfaced that the Crimson Tide were negotiating with DeBoer for an extension amid rumors of his potential candidacy with Michigan.
It's been radio silence since Alabama was defeated by Indiana 38-3 in the CFP quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl.
In the meantime, DeBoer and Alabama have suffered some significant recruiting losses in transfer battles with programs like Texas. It's fair to say 2026 is a pivotal year for DeBoer.
ESPN's Mark Schlabach offered a troubling prediction for Alabama's season. He's ranking the Crimson Tide at No. 16 for his top 25 in the spring, well outside of the range to make the CFP.
"Kalen DeBoer's teams went 20-8 in his first two seasons with the Crimson Tide, which might be fine at other FBS programs, but isn't good enough at Alabama," Schlabach wrote. "The Tide have to become a more physical and disciplined team in 2026. They ranked 125th in rushing (104.1 yards) and must figure out a way to run the ball. Former NFL assistant Adrian Klemm was hired to coach the offensive line.
"Keelon Russell and Austin Mack will battle for the quarterback job after Simpson left for the NFL draft. There were heavy losses in the front seven on defense after Lawson, Jefferson, Keenan, and Overton turned pro. Special teams miscues were also an issue during the past two seasons."
No. 16 would be a regression for DeBoer in his third season in Tuscaloosa. It could spell doom on his tenure with the Crimson Tide this winter if he's unable to sign a contract extension soon.
Schlabach predicted LSU to rank No. 11 in Lane Kiffin's first year in charge. The Alabama fan base would not be happy with DeBoer if Kiffin is able to beat the Crimson Tide in Year 1.
The contest between LSU and Alabama on Nov. 7 could be a pivotal one for DeBoer. Frankly, in Year 3, he has no excuses to lose to Kiffin in his first season with the Tigers.