The Kalen DeBoer era got off to an interesting start at Alabama in 2024. He led the Crimson Tide to a 9-4 overall record (9-3 regular season), getting some big-time wins over programs like Georgia, LSU, and Missouri, but suffering surprising losses to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma. Alabama also fell to Michigan 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl to conclude the season.
While Alabama was in playoff contention for much of last season, the year was well below the standard that former head coach Nick Saban set during his legendary tenure.
For that reason, DeBoer has already been in some hot-seat discussions, and according to Joel Klatt, he should have a chance to launch Alabama to the top of the SEC in a crucial week five matchup in 2025.
Joel Klatt Explains Why Alabama-Georgia Matchup Could Define the Crimson Tide’s 2025 Season
Kalen DeBoer and Alabama will travel to Athens to take on the Georgia Bulldogs on September 27 in what promises to be a critical matchup for both teams’ championship aspirations.
On “The Joel Klatt Show: A College Football Podcast,” host Joel Klatt explained how a matchup between these two programs will always be one to watch.
“Yeah, they can play in a parking lot, it’s going to be not only a great game, but a highly meaningful game. Winner of this game likely goes to the SEC championship,” Klatt said.
Not only is it an electric matchup for both of these teams, but it’s one that could make or break Alabama’s season and potentially Kalen DeBoer’s career trajectory in Tuscaloosa.
Klatt explained how beating Georgia could launch Alabama all the way to the SEC championship game with how their schedule looks after the matchup.
“This is a huge early test for Kalen DeBoer in year two,” Klatt said. “If Bama wins by the way, there’s a bunch of winnable games after this.”
Alabama’s Post-Georgia Schedule Sets Up Favorably for Championship Run
Klatt is right about Alabama’s favorable scheduling after the Georgia game. Alabama faces Vanderbilt, Missouri, and Tennessee in the following three weeks. While Alabama lost to Vanderbilt last year in a shocking upset, they will be home this year and have upgraded their roster significantly.
Missouri has lost key players, including leading receiver Luther Burden III to the NFL Draft and quarterback Brady Cook to the transfer portal, making that game more manageable for the Tide.
Alabama dominated the Tigers 34-0 last season in Tuscaloosa. Tennessee has also undergone significant changes, losing quarterback Nico Iamaleava to the transfer portal (he subsequently transferred to UCLA), and that game will happen in Tuscaloosa.
The following two weeks present tougher challenges as Alabama faces LSU at home and then travels to South Carolina for a game against the Gamecocks. However, they finish their season with games at home against Oklahoma and Eastern Illinois before going on the road to face Auburn in the traditional Iron Bowl rivalry.
Championship Expectations Remain High for DeBoer’s Second Season
Kalen DeBoer is looking to establish more consistency this season after missing the College Football Playoff in his debut campaign. A win against Georgia so early in the season could dictate how the rest of the Tide’s year unfolds and potentially silence critics who have questioned his ability to maintain Alabama’s championship standard.
The 2025 season represents a pivotal year for Kalen DeBoer, and there’s arguably no bigger game on the schedule than Alabama’s September 27 matchup with the Bulldogs in Athens. How the Crimson Tide performs in this early-season test could determine whether DeBoer can restore Alabama to its customary place among college football’s elite programs.
