Alabama isn't hiding from the fact that a historic strength was one of the Crimson Tide's biggest weaknesses in 2025

Alabama isn't hiding from the fact that a historic strength was one of the Crimson Tide's biggest weaknesses in 2025

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Alabama isn't hiding from the fact that a historic strength was one of the Crimson Tide's biggest weaknesses in 2025
The Crimson Tide players and coaches continue working toward the season opener in practice Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Alabama offensive lineman Parker Brailsford (72) signals as he prepares to lead the offensive line through a blocking drill.
The Crimson Tide players and coaches continue working toward the season opener in practice Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Alabama offensive lineman Parker Brailsford (72) signals as he prepares to lead the offensive line through a blocking drill. © Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK

Despite massive improvements overall from year one to two in the Kalen DeBoer era at the University of Alabama, an area of improvement remains the driving factor in Tuscaloosa, and Kalen DeBoer believes it’s being remedied.

The Alabama Crimson Tide can never have a season similar to 2025 again. Or at least, not when it comes to the ground game. Finishing second-to-last in rushing in the SEC is intolerable for a program that has always been built through the trenches.

It’s why Alabama essentially remodeled its offensive line this offseason via the transfer portal and up-and-coming high school recruits. But the most important step in solving a problem is recognizing that one exists, and Kalen DeBoer did just that.

Alabama 2027 recruiting class

  • QB Elijah Haven (5-star)
  • QB Trent Seaborn (4-star)
  • RB Nigel Newkirk (4-star)
  • DL Avrian “AJ” Pauley (3-star)
  • TE Michael Nnabuife (3-star)
  • TE Oakley Keegan (3-star)
  • Kicker Luke Cody
  • RB Tai Phillips (3-star)

Kalen DeBoer is excited about the new direction of Alabama’s offensive line

“We have brought in a number of players,” DeBoer said at the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame banquet. “We had to with the graduation of five guys, a couple of guys in the NFL, a couple more in the portal. So, there were some needs. Of course, we brought some high school guys in, and the rest had to be filled in with the portal. So, they’re all working hard. Love the direction that it’s headed.”

Alabama added six transfer portal additions ahead of the 2026 season, including two projected starters based on spring ball via center Racin Delgatty and right guard Ethan Fields. The Tide also returns Michael Carroll and Jackson Lloyd, two players that the collective is very high on. But perhaps most importantly, Alabama has a new man calling the shots in the trenches.

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Kalen DeBoer reveals what new OL coach Adrian Klemm has been like

“Coach Klemm, our offensive line coach, has done a great job, not just from a teaching aspect, but the chemistry, really pushing them,” DeBoer added. “He has great high expectations. He’s done it at a high level. He knows it’s supposed to look like, not just in college, but the NFL. And those guys really, I think, respect that part about it. His efficiency of teaching, I think, stands out to me, and they appreciate that.”

If there is any position coach who has the chance to change the trajectory of the Crimson Tide in 2026, it’s Klemm. His experience with teams like the Oregon Ducks and Pittsburgh Steelers, parlayed with his attitude and motivation tactics, will go a long way come the end of the season.

This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Alabama isn’t hiding from the fact that a historic strength was one of the Crimson Tide’s biggest weaknesses in 2025

© 2026 A to Z Sports.

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