One of the main reasons Alabama hired Kalen DeBoer to succeed legendary coach Nick Saban was his proven success against AP Top 25 opponents. So far, the second-year Crimson Tide coach has continued that trend with a 30-14 win over then-No. 16 Vanderbilt in Week 6.
With that win, DeBoer surpassed Saban in one notable category, and he now holds a 17-3 record in ranked vs. ranked matchups, marking the best winning percentage among coaches with at least 10 such games.
Kalen DeBoer is now 17-3 vs. AP Top 25 teams in his career.
— Connor O’Gara (@cjogara) October 4, 2025
DeBoer’s three losses in those matchups include a 31-24 loss at No. 11 Oregon in 2021 while at Fresno State, a 34-13 loss to No. 1 Michigan in the 2023 CFP national title game with Washington and a 24-17 loss to No. 11 Tennessee during the 2024 season at Alabama.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s win also improved DeBoer’s home record in Tuscaloosa to 10-0. Up next, his squad will host No. 14 Missouri, who remain undefeated at 5-0.
“The undefeated Tigers had a bye week to prepare, they’ll have home-field advantage, and they will be the third straight ranked opponent Alabama faces,” ESPN’s Heather Dinich said. “The Tide at least get Tennessee, LSU and Oklahoma at home.”
Kalen DeBoer eyes big recruiting win in the 2027 class
Besides leading Alabama to back-to-back wins, Kalen DeBoer is also actively recruiting prospects. One of his recent targets is 2027 class wide receiver Ja’Hyde Brown from Christian Academy Of Louisville in Kentucky.
“I can tell they watch my film weekly just from the conversations with the offensive coaches and coach DeBoer,” Brown said (via Touchdown Alabama).
“I FaceTimed with Coach DeBoer last week, and it was a cool experience for sure, but to meet him in person was a whole different experience. They are really taking the time to get to know who I am as a player and person.”
DeBoer’s squad offered Brown the summer.
“It was an amazing game-day atmosphere,” Brown said. “That place was rocking. Coaches were amazing, reassured me all day that I’m their guy in the slot for the 2027 class, told me if I’m ready to commit, I can today and if I want to wait I can do that as well.
“There’s no pressure but wanted to let me know that they’re ready if I am, very transparent with me while there.”
Rivals gives Alabama a 1.5% chance of securing Brown’s commitment, while Kentucky is considered as a leader in his recruitment with 51.5% potential. However, the Crimson Tide can continue to push him to secure an edge in his recruitment, and their strong season can contribute in this race.
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