SEC Football Previews: Alabama Crimson Tide move on from Nick Saban

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - All eyes are on new Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, who has the unenviable task of following up Nick Saban’s 17 reign at the national powerhouse program. Here is a short preview of the Crimson Tide:

COACH — Kalen DeBoer: 104-12 overall (First year at Alabama).

2023 SEASON — 12-2 overall, 8-0 in SEC (1st, West); Lost in College Football Playoff Semifinal.

RETURNING STARTERS — 11 (5 offensive, 5 defensive, 1 special teams).

TOP PLAYERS — QB Jalen Milroe, RB Jam Miller, RB Justice Haynes, WR Germie Bernard, OT Kadyn Proctor, C Parker Brailsford, NT Tim Keenan III, S Malachi Moore, S DeVonta Smith.

KEY LOSSES — OT J.C. Latham, WR Jermaine Burton, WR Isaiah Bond, RB Jase McClellan, RB Roydell Williams, DE Chris Braswell, DE Dallas Turner, CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, K Will Reichard.

SEASON OUTLOOK — Alabama has retooled after the surprise retirement announcement of Saban, but still have a veteran quarterback in Milroe. After a 2,834-yard, 23-touchdown passing performance last season, Milroe will start the season near the top of the Heisman conversation. However, shifting from a defensive-minded head coach to the offensive prowess of DeBoer, how will Alabama fare on defense? They return a strong secondary with safeties Malachi Moore and DeVonta Smith as well as linebacker Deontae Lawson to help ease the transition.

SCHEDULE:

Denotes SEC Conference Game