A lot of Alabama fans believe that the Crimson Tide need to have success in 2025 to return to “The Standard”. Their beliefs are likely rooted in the historic tradition and success the program has had over the years.
Thus, the question presents itself: What does success actually look like for Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide in 2025?
With the way that the 2024 season transpired, there is a lot of skepticism surrounding the program and its direction for the future. A disappointing 9-4 season in 2024 creates a lot of doubt and rightfully so. This past season was the first time that Alabama had lost four or more games since 2007 which was Nick Saban’s first year at Alabama.
What does success look like in Tuscaloosa at this point in time?
Well, I think success is measured by performance. If Alabama is not putting a good product on the field for fans to see, it might seem like a failure to many. Wins matter the most to Alabama fans.
After the historic run that Saban and the Crimson Tide had, expectations in Tuscaloosa are at an all-time high.
I think one of the biggest ways that Alabama can establish success is by winning against rivals (Tennessee, LSU, and Auburn) and leaving no doubt against lesser opponents. That is what success has looked like in the past for the Crimson Tide. Why abandon the recipe for success now under a new era?
DeBoer has faced a lot of scrutiny this offseason regarding his debut season as Alabama’s head coach. A lot of questions and concerns have slowly mounted and created a source of pressure for DeBoer.
One of the things that DeBoer needs to prioritize is winning the big games and making sure the program is well prepared for its next opponent. It seemed like last year’s team would look ahead at times. His biggest obstacle ahead will be to make sure the team is locked in to the gameplan on a week-to-week basis.
The SEC is becoming more and more difficult as time goes on. Alabama needs to be competitive and string together at least a 10-win season. If not, there will be a lot of unhappy campers in Tuscaloosa and from within the program about DeBoer and the future of the program.
Success is not given. It is earned. That is one thing that this year’s team and coaching staff need to place at the forefront of everything that they do. The rat poison needs to cease, and Alabama needs to get back to playing its brand of football.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
