ESPN names spring storyline to monitor for Alabama
By Adam Spencer
Published:
The Alabama Crimson Tide enter a very important season under third-year head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Yes, the Tide overcame a shocking loss to Florida State in Week 1 of the 2025 season to make it to the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff. But, despite beating Oklahoma in Round 1 of the Playoff, the season left many Alabama fans wanting more.
With DeBoer facing pressure to do even better this fall, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach named a storyline to keep an eye on in Tuscaloosa this spring:
After back-to-back so-so seasons to start his Alabama tenure, Kalen DeBoer might need to win big this year. The Tide suffered ugly defeats in two of their last three games in 2025, falling 28-7 to Georgia in the SEC championship game and 38-3 to Indiana in a CFP quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. The Tide ranked 125th in rushing (104.1 yards) and 111th in sacks allowed (2.13 per game), which led to DeBoer firing offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic. Former NFL offensive line coach Adrian Klemm was hired to replace him, and Bryan Ellis moved from tight ends to quarterbacks coach. Longtime SEC assistant Derrick Nix was hired to coach receivers; former Louisville offensive line coach Richard Owens is now working with the tight ends.
Getting better up front will indeed be a big key for the Tide. If the offensive line can’t move bodies better than it did in 2025, it won’t matter who wins the QB battle between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack.
Alabama kicks off the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5, against East Carolina. The A-Day spring game is set for Saturday, April 11.
Will Alabama get back to the Playoff this year? Here’s what the latest Kalshi markets have to say about the Tide, who currently have a 43% chance to make the field:
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
