07/22/2026
STORY: DeBoer pushed back against questions about Alabama’s toughness
Five Major Takeaways From Kalen DeBoer at SEC Media Days
Kalen DeBoer took the podium at SEC Media Days with a clear message: Alabama made progress last season, but nothing about the 2026 team should be assumed.
The Crimson Tide finished 7–1 in SEC play, reached the SEC Championship Game and won a College Football Playoff game. However, DeBoer acknowledged that Alabama still fell short of its ultimate goals.
Here are the five biggest takeaways from DeBoer’s appearance:
1. DeBoer pushed back against questions about Alabama’s toughness
The biggest storyline entering SEC Media Days was whether Alabama had lost its physical identity. DeBoer did not accept the idea that his team lacked toughness.
“I think there’s a toughness, there’s a culture that exists,” DeBoer said. “You don’t win that many games in our conference without it.”
He later described toughness and resiliency as part of Alabama’s foundation. However, he also acknowledged that the Crimson Tide must continue improving physically especially along the line of scrimmage. Alabama added new pieces on both the offensive and defensive lines that DeBoer believes can provide the physicality the team needs.
2. Fixing the running game is Alabama’s biggest offseason priority DeBoer repeatedly returned to Alabama’s inability to consistently run the football last season. “We’ve got to be able to just execute better in the run game,” he said.
DeBoer believes an improved rushing attack would help Alabama’s entire team. It would protect the quarterback, make play-calling easier and give the Crimson Tide a better chance of controlling games.
He rejected the idea that declining rushing production is simply a trend across modern college football.
“I think we’ve just got to do a better job,” DeBoer said. The head coach believes Alabama possesses the talent and scheme required to run successfully. Now, the Tide must develop the mindset and ex*****on to make it happen.
3. The offensive line has talent but Alabama must find its best five
Alabama must replace important players up front, including Kadyn Proctor and Parker Brailsford. DeBoer nevertheless expressed optimism about the returning linemen and the players added through recruiting and the transfer portal. “The physical tools are there,” DeBoer said.
The challenge will be finding a five-man combination that communicates effectively and functions as a cohesive unit.
DeBoer said the younger offensive linemen have embraced coaching and are using the criticism surrounding the position as motivation. He also emphasized that the group understands the urgency required to become elite.
This is not yet a proven offensive line, but DeBoer believes Alabama has enough talent to build one.
4. Austin Mack and Keelon Russell are in a legitimate quarterback competition
DeBoer did not identify a leader in Alabama’s quarterback battle. Instead, he called both Austin Mack and Keelon Russell “high-level, elite quarterbacks.”
Mack has the experience advantage and is entering his fourth season in DeBoer’s system. DeBoer also believes Mack’s athleticism will surprise people.
Russell, meanwhile, has taken significant strides over the past five months in his understanding of the offense, defensive structures and how to attack a defense. His creativity and versatility as a runner also separate him.
DeBoer said the eventual decision will be based on poise, efficiency and which quarterback makes the players around him better. Both quarterbacks have earned the trust of the locker room. That will make the final decision even more difficult.
5. DeBoer understands that he must prove it at Alabama
DeBoer acknowledged that his tenure could ultimately be defined by whether he wins a national championship.
“I certainly know that’s an important part of what’s happened in the program, so I wouldn’t doubt if that’s the case,” DeBoer said.
But he insists that his daily focus is not on how his tenure will eventually be judged. His focus is on developing the team and maximizing the people around him.
DeBoer also understands why questions remain. Alabama has more than 50 new players, lingering concerns about the running game and expectations unlike almost anywhere else in college football.
“Until we prove it, we understand where there’s going to be doubt,” DeBoer said.
That may have been the defining message of his appearance. DeBoer believes Alabama has toughness, talent and a strong foundation but he knows that the Crimson Tide must prove it on the field.
What was your biggest takeaway from Kalen DeBoer’s appearance at SEC Media Days?
