Conversations about college football continue to revolve around the University of Alabama. Through Nick Saban’s six national championships, the mantle of expectations resides on the shoulders of those who play or coach at the school. Head Coach Kalen DeBoer isn’t exempt from that practice.
CFB Analyst Warns Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer About Preseason Rankings
Alabama’s season ended with a lopsided loss to eventual champion Indiana. Yet the Tide remains in the national discourse. The Crimson Tide finished No.9 in the Associated Press Top 25 postseason poll.
Jake Butt, a former Michigan tight end turned analyst, responded on social media.
He wrote on X, “The unearned praise and rankings this year could end up being the worst thing for Alabama. I’d rather my locker room be pissed off and on a mission to correct the shortcomings than to be protected by unearned rankings. Just me 🤷♂️”
The unearned praise and rankings this year could end up being the worst thing for Alabama. I’d rather my locker room be pissed off and on a mission to correct the shortcomings than to be protected by unearned rankings. Just me 🤷♂️ https://t.co/sghsIxdElv
— Jake Butt (@Jbooty88) January 22, 2026
Butt assumes that the ranking means something to Alabama forward.
In actuality, the current Crimson Tide will not resemble the team that will take the field this summer. Roughly three dozen Alabama players will leave Tuscaloosa via the NFL Draft, the transfer portal, or graduate. For instance, quarterback Ty Simpson declared for the draft.
Additionally, left tackle Kaden Proctor, his blindside protector, will also leave Alabama to play on Sundays. The tandem played a significant role in Alabama holding the No. 30 spot in the PFSN CFB Offense Impact Rankings.
The analyst’s assertion that the team should feel upset at the rankings relies on two aspects. First, do the players truly care about rankings?
Most believe that voters have the power to determine what happens, and that individual teams can do nothing but play. Plus, DeBoer faces the toughest questions heading into the offseason.
The loss to Indiana still hangs in the air for Alabama fans. Moreover, some believe the head coach fails to meet the standard set by Saban’s tenure. As a result, anything short of a national championship could be widely construed as a failure. On top of that, Simpson’s departure raises questions about the offense’s holes. Furthermore, Proctor’s leaving also hurts the scheme.
On the fly, DeBoer and staff will need to find not only replacements but ones that can help facilitate a return to the College Football Playoff. Despite a tough bowl season and playoff, the SEC actually improved. Lane Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU.
Will Stein, the former Oregon coordinator, became the new head coach at Kentucky. Alex Golesh grabbed the reins at Auburn while Jion Sunrall attempts to rebuild Florida. Now, the league that appeared top-heavy has evolved into a balanced one where any team can win.
With job security remaining a hot topic for DeBoer, can he do enough to stave off the criticism?
