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Alabama Announces Big Kalen DeBoer News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated May 30, 2025 2:55 PM ET

Kalen DeBoer is entering a pivotal second season as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide after taking over for Nick Saban in 2024. In his debut season, Alabama narrowly missed the 12-team College Football Playoff, finishing with a 9–4 overall record and 5–3 in SEC play.

The Tide appeared poised to make the expanded playoff for much of the season, but a late-season loss to Oklahoma ultimately dashed those hopes.

While last season is now in the rearview, DeBoer has found himself back in the spotlight this week following the announcement of the highly anticipated College Football 26 video game cover, which features Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Alabama sophomore wide receiver Ryan Williams.

In addition to the buzz around the cover, Alabama revealed that DeBoer — along with his offensive and defensive coordinators — has chosen to be featured in this year’s edition of the game.

Participation is optional for coaches and players, and DeBoer’s inclusion further connects the Crimson Tide to what is expected to be a blockbuster release when the game launches in July.

Alabama's post on social media read, "They're in the game," tagging head coach Kalen DeBoer, OC Ryan Grubb, and DC Kane Wommack.

They're in the game @KalenDeBoer @GrubbRyan @KaneWommack @EASPORTSCollege | #CFB26 pic.twitter.com/UKJxW9WYPr
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) May 30, 2025

Fans reacted to the news:

"Love this. Much better," a fan said.

Someone else added, "Roll tide! Get with the times coaches!! RTR."

Another fan posted, "LET’S GOOOOOOO!"

"I can't wait for Deboer to do this," one more fan commented.

EA Sports brought back the college football video game last season to great fanfare, marking the first release since NCAA Football 14 hit shelves in the summer of 2013.

However, the new game features significant changes, including the inclusion of player names thanks to NIL rules and the option for coaches to appear in the game, which has only boosted its popularity.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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