For most programs around college football, having the dynamic of a head coach with a young but talented roster would often signal grace, patience, and optimism for what could potentially come in future seasons.
Not at Alabama.
Everybody knows that the clock never stops and that patience is often a thin line that many can't afford to dance along in Tuscaloosa. These parameters are the exact set of circumstances Kalen DeBoer and company find themselves in, with the Crimson Tide set to roll out a roster this fall that's filled with more youth than established talent, in what many consider to be a "make or break" third season in Tuscaloosa.
This harsh reality comes after DeBoer and Alabama experienced a seismic shift in experience this January after coming to a crash in the College Football Playoff off the heels of an 11-4 season.
Alabama saw significant roster attrition in the Transfer Portal, NFL Draft early entry, and eligibility exhaustion. The biggest hit DeBoer's roster took may not be in talent, but in experience. Alabama is currently slated to have only seven true seniors on the roster in 2026.
Alabama's lack of experience in 2026 won't be an excuse fans accept
Yes, leadership and talent are there for Alabama, but this type of turnover means a youth movement on both sides of the football is inevitable. These factors, along with a Crimson Tide fan base conditioned to treat every fall as championship-or-bust, even though the dynamic of the roster may say otherwise, many on the outside are viewing this season as a potential bridge year for Alabama.
The problem with that is, in my opinion, DeBoer can't afford a bridge year, but in many cases, I feel like he's moving as such. I say this because of the lack of experience Alabama is returning, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
On top of that, the outside pressure has been ratcheted up several notches by seeing coaches at both the college and NFL levels having instant success. Curt Cignetti just led Indiana to a National Championship in his second season on the job. The Super Bowl will be coached by a coach in his first season with his team (Mike Vrabel and the Patriots) and another in his second (Mike Macdonald and the Seahawks).
Unfortunately for DeBoer and other coaches with high-profile gigs, the expectations of immediate results have never been higher.
Will Alabama fans have the patience to abide a rebuilding/bridge season? Not likely.
But patience in 2026 could ultimately lead to bigger rewards in 2027. But the question will be if DeBoer is around to see it.