Alabama Football: Still the Standard
When it comes to college football, the phrase “standard of excellence” has long been synonymous with the University of Alabama. Despite the retirement of coaching legend Nick Saban, we believe that the Crimson Tide remains the benchmark against which every other program measures itself. Don’t believe, look no further than Georgia, which built its entire identity on the backs of the Crimson Tide. With Kalen DeBoer at the helm and new faces such as Courtney Morgan leading the charge in player personnel and recruiting, Alabama’s grip on college football dominance isn’t loosening — after a lackluster 2024 season, it could be tightening.
Nick Saban Built the Blueprint for Sustained Greatness
No discussion of Alabama football’s dominance is complete without mentioning Nick Saban. Over 17 seasons, Saban won six national championships in Tuscaloosa and turned the program into a dynasty defined by discipline, consistency, and elite performance. However, history tells us that long before Nick Saban ever arrived in Tuscaloosa, Alabama flirted with greatness and dynasties before under the tutelage of greats like Paul “Bear” Bryant, and everything works on a curve. What goes up, must come down, and what is down, will surely rise again.
However, the expectations changed when Nick Saban won that first BCS title in 2009. Saban didn’t just win—he built an infrastructure. He created a culture where every player, coach, and staff member understood what it meant to meet the “Alabama standard.” That blueprint isn’t going anywhere. It’s now the foundation Kalen DeBoer inherits and builds upon. It’s tough to believe that Nick Saban, who has verbally expressed his love and gratitude to Alabama, wasn’t aware that he would want to build something that would succeed him. Bama, in many ways, will always be his legacy after all.
Kalen DeBoer: The Right Leader for the Next Era
When Kalen DeBoer was announced as Alabama’s new head coach in 2024, there were questions—could anyone possibly follow in Saban’s footsteps? Who would be ballsy enough to take that job? Surely, Alabama would take a giant step back. All credible questions to ask, but Greg Byrne (Alabama’s Athletic Director) and Nick Saban were quick and resolute in their quest to find the right person, insert Washington Huskies’ Head Coach, Kalen DeBoer.
Coming off a national championship game appearance with the Washington Huskies, DeBoer brings a modern offensive approach, proven leadership, and a player-first philosophy. The man has a winning record everywhere he’s been. Most importantly, he respects the Alabama tradition while injecting fresh energy into the program. DeBoer also has been around the block and was the right guy to handle the ebbs and flows of college football rosters, as Alabama would see theirs demolished once the news of Saban’s retirement went viral. DeBoer’s arrival, however, signaled not a rebuild, but a reload. He’s committed to maintaining Alabama’s position at the top of college football, and despite a wild transition year, Alabama is poised to be better than ever in 2025.
Courtney Morgan Is Elevating Alabama’s Recruiting and Player Developmen
Everyone remembers where they were the first time they heard the name of or saw the imposing figure that is Courtney Morgan. One of DeBoer’s first and smartest moves was bringing in Courtney Morgan as Alabama’s General Manager. Morgan is a rising star in the college football world, known for building elite rosters and creating a player-centric recruiting model, and now with the backing of one of the strongest brands in all of sports, his sights were set on Tuscaloosa.
His experience at Michigan and Washington proved invaluable in helping those programs ascend. Now at Alabama, Morgan has the resources, reputation, and relationships to dominate the recruiting trail and build on the Tide’s already powerful NFL pipeline. With Courtney Morgan guiding recruiting strategy, Alabama is positioned to stay elite in both high school recruiting and the transfer portal, especially in the age of NIL.
The Recruiting Pipeline Hasn’t Slowed Down
Even with changes at the top, Alabama continues to attract the best talent in the nation. Early returns under DeBoer and Morgan show the Tide is as aggressive and organized as ever on the recruiting trail. In the NIL era, relationships, development, and brand matter more than ever. Alabama still offers all three at the highest level. Players know that if they want to compete for championships and get to the NFL, Alabama is the place to be.
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DeBoer, quietly, built a staff composed of high-profile and savvy minds who understand how to recruit in this new age of the sport. As well, his web branches across the entire country. Alabama now has pipelines built that stretch from Florida, the Northeast, to California. Even in state, DeBoer and company, after a year in Tuscaloosa have now solidified themselves with the high school coaches in Alabama and looks to maintain control over the Yellow Hammer state in 2025.
NFL Development Remains Elite
Alabama’s dominance isn’t just seen on Saturdays—it’s felt on Sundays. The program consistently produces first-round NFL Draft picks, with names like Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, Will Anderson Jr., and many more. Kalen DeBoer’s first season also adds to the ranks Tyler Booker, Malachi Moore, Jalen Milroe, Jihaad Campbell, and others.
The message is clear: Alabama doesn’t just recruit talent—it develops it. With DeBoer’s offensive mind, in combination with Ryan Grubb, and Morgan’s focus on player growth, the Tide’s NFL factory is fully operational, even without Nick Saban at the helm. In fact, early draft board, have at least four Crimson Tide players projected in the 2026 NFL draft’s first round.
Unrivaled Culture, Resources, and Fanbase
Alabama Football is still capable of selling itself, Nick Saban made sure of that. In the arms race that is college athletics, Bama still remains at the forefront in terms of facilities that attract the top tier talent from everywhere. From the cutting-edge training facilities to Bryant-Denny Stadium’s electric game-day atmosphere, Alabama offers one of the most complete experiences in college football. Add in a loyal, championship-hungry fanbase and one of the most supportive athletic departments in the country, and you’ve got a program built to last.
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In the day and age of NIL, Alabama is no slouch either. Although spending as much as some programs, Alabama still plays the NIL game very well, making it difficult for recruits to say no to the Tide. No other school combines tradition, infrastructure, and competitive edge quite like Alabama, and many others are still playing catch-up.
The college football landscape is changing rapidly, but Alabama continues to lead the way. With the foundational legacy of Nick Saban, the visionary leadership of Kalen DeBoer, and the recruiting expertise of Courtney Morgan, the Crimson Tide are not taking a step back. They’re taking a step forward. Programs rise and fall. Alabama evolves—and that’s why the University of Alabama is still the standard in college football.
Kalen DeBoer speaks to Alabama’s starting quarterback for 2025 on the Finebaum Show
