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AJ McCarron Names Biggest Problem For Alabama Under Kalen DeBoer

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 9:00 PM ET

Kalen DeBoer's second season as Alabama's head coach started off in the worst way possible, suffering a 31-17 loss to Florida State.

Alabama's defense had no answer for Florida State's ground attack under Gus Malzahn, giving up 230 rushing yards. Seminoles quarterback Thomas Castellanos finished the game with 152 passing yards, 78 rushing yards and a touchdown. It was a steady performance from the 5-foot-11 senior.

Obviously, Alabama fans expressed their displeasure with DeBoer on social media. They're not the only people frustrated with the current state of the program.

Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron didn't hold back while on "The Dynasty." Not only did the three-time national champion share his thoughts on the loss to Florida State, he pointed out the "weird vibe" surrounding DeBoer's team.

"There's just no – there's no excitement," McCarron said, via 247Sports. "It was weird. I just didn't understand it, when Bama scored. It was a quick excitement, but it was just dead. It wasn't like, hey, we're going out and we're proving something right here. It was, 'Hey, kickoff team and defense.' There was just no excitement. It was such a weird, weird vibe."

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 26: AJ McCarron #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a long offensive play against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 26, 2011 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Could Alabama's issues linger for future seasons?

McCaron isn't just worried about the lack of excitement on the sideline, he believes Alabama could face a disadvantage in recruiting. He explained why on the "McCready and Siskey Podcast" this Tuesday.

"You look at these other teams that have $40-50 million in NIL," McCarron said. "Alabama - and I know this for a fact, talking to multiple people in the program - has less than $20 million in their NIL."

Some fans believe McCarron is making excuses for the Crimson Tide's poor Week 1 performance, but Nick Saban did express concerns about NIL funding in Tuscaloosa prior to his retirement.

If McCarron isn't confident in Alabama's future, we're not so sure fans should be.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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