As the Kalen DeBoer era picks up steam, Alabama Football enters the 2025 season with a roster loaded with returning veterans and electrifying young talent.

There’s no turning back now—college athletics has entered a new era. The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for student-athletes has transformed the landscape of collegiate sports, and while the chaos may feel unfamiliar, it’s here to stay. For traditionalists longing for the days of amateurism and loyalty to alma maters, the message is clear: NIL is the new normal, and fans need to get used to it—at least until the federal government gets a real handle on the situation.

In the constantly shifting landscape of college football, few names have surged up the ranks of elite coaches faster than Kalen DeBoer. From humble beginnings in NAIA football to leading powerhouse programs like Washington and now Alabama, DeBoer’s rise is nothing short of meteoric. His unique blend of offensive brilliance, leadership poise, and cultural command has solidified him as one of the top 5 head coaches in college football—and arguably, he’s just getting started.

Legendary college football coach Nick Saban has been named co-chair of a newly formed College Football Research Commission, marking a significant shift in his post-coaching career. Saban, known for his historic run at Alabama, is stepping into a more academic and policy-driven role aimed at reshaping the future of college football.