3 things Kalen DeBoer must do for Alabama to win CFP title in 2026

Image | Source: Touchdown Alabama

Sep 6, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Louisiana Monroe Warhawks running back D’Shaun Ford (22) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Bray Hubbard (18) during the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Alabama had a way of mentally and emotionally defeating teams before the physical beatdown occurred.

It lost that edge in each of the last two seasons as opposition now sees the Tide as an opportunity versus a program to fear. DeBoer has to find a way to re-inject the team with toughness in order for opponents to respect the program he is running. He has to have leaders that make you think twice before testing them.

A culture of toughness needs to return.

Select the right starting quarterback

Kalen DeBoer has a huge decision to make at the most important position for Alabama.

He has two talented quarterbacks, but he has to make the right selection for his starter.

Image | Source: Touchdown Alabama

Aug. 19, 2025, Tuscaloosa, AL; Quarterbacks Keelon Russell and Austin Mack throw during practice for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Austin Mack, 19, has been in his system going on four years – dating back to his true freshman season at Washington in 2023. He had a good spring and was the primary backup to Ty Simpson last year, but an injury limited him in the A-Day game.

Keelon Russell, a redshirt freshman, has an incredible upside. The former five-star put on a show all spring, especially in the spring game with five touchdowns.

Alabama looks nothing short of dynamic with him running the show.

The Tide could win it all with either player; however, fans believe Russell’s playmaking skill set would make the team too dangerous to handle. DeBoer has to make the right call here.

Avoid embarrassing losses

He has had impressive victories in two seasons, but Kalen DeBoer’s career at Alabama so far has been marred by embarrassing losses.

Image | Source: Touchdown Alabama

Aug 30, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer looks on against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

He dropped matchups to Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Michigan (ReliaQuest Bowl) in his first season, while falling to Florida State, Oklahoma, Georgia (SEC Championship Game), and Indiana in year two. The defeats to Florida State, Indiana, Georgia, Michigan, and Oklahoma (2024) were games in which Alabama gave up.

DeBoer watched his team get punched in the mouth and refused to get off the mat and punch back. He can not afford these kinds of performances from his team in year three, especially after getting a lengthy extension.

Greg Byrne, Alabama’s director of athletics, showed big faith to DeBoer in awarding him a seven-year extension worth $87.5 million. Some fans did not like the move, but they are willing to see how DeBoer responds in the fall. If he steps up and leads the team to a championship, the commotion will cease.

If not, you will hear people really point the blame at Byrne for the move.

Alabama cannot have embarrassing defeats this time around.