Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; University of Alabama head coach Kalen Deboer talks to the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images With that in mind, here are a few decisions from the coaches that I’m not totally sold on just yet:
No. 8 Alabama: Year Two of DeBoer
Year one of the Kalen DeBoer experience left me with some concerns heading into this year. Alabama didn’t have the same sort of energy as the Nick Saban–led teams of years past.
That said, fading the greatest powerhouse in college football history based on vibes alone probably isn’t the smartest move.
The biggest concern for the Tide is the quarterback position. Ty Simpson looks like the front-runner, but if he struggles early, will DeBoer lose patience and turn to the highly rated Keelon Russell?
I’m also not convinced Alabama can maintain its usual dominance in this current NIL landscape. DeBoer was much more aggressive in the portal last year, and if things go south, I’m not sure he gets the same unwavering support from the Alabama faithful that Saban once had.
No. 11 Arizona State: Playoff Hangover
Sam Leavitt is getting a ton of preseason hype, and I don’t get it. He doesn’t turn the ball over much, but with former standout running back Cam Skattebo now in the NFL, Leavitt will be asked to be a lot more aggressive this season.
Leavitt’s in-state rival, Khalil Tate at Arizona, should honestly be getting more preseason attention than Leavitt.
Here’s the real issue with the Sun Devils: they just don’t have the dudes. Dillingham might be a scheming mastermind, but unless he starts landing bigger-time recruits, the ceiling here feels pretty limited.
The best thing going for ASU? They play in the Big 12. If they can keep stacking wins out west, they could sneak into the Playoff again.
No. 14 Michigan: Is Bryce Underwood Enough?
Belleville quarterback Bryce Underwood watches the last seconds of the game against Southfield A&T at the Division 1 state final at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. credits: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK Donaven McCulley appears to be WR1 to start the year, but nothing in his three seasons at Indiana screams elite. Semaj Morgan seems like the second option, and unless he makes a big leap forward, this passing attack is going to be rough.
The Wolverines also didn’t have an impressive showing in the portal, even with a strong freshman class.
Add in the still-pending NCAA violations looming over the program, a lack of experienced talent, and a first-year head coach, and I’m not sure how this team avoids another 7-5 or 8-4 type season.
(Also, I said I don’t believe in DeBoer. But I REALLY have my doubts about Sherrone Moore.)
