Joel Klatt describes why he has Alabama ranked No. 8 in first season under Kalen DeBoer

Alabama is entering a whole new era this fall with the tenure of Kalen DeBoer beginning. Still, Joel Klatt expects more of the same, even if the heights aren’t comparably as high, from the Crimson Tide with where he has them in his Preseason Top-25.

Klatt rated ‘Bama at No. 8 in the nation for this season during an episode of his show on Monday. He did place them together with Michigan, their Rose Bowl opponent from last year’s playoff, at No. 7 considering the similar changes both underwent this offseason. However, with the Tide going outside in rather than inside out plus the Wolverines having won that matchup in Pasadena, he gave the maize & blue the one-spot edge.

“Here’s the conversation with Alabama and Michigan – a lot of unknowns for two programs that we expect a lot out of,” Klatt explained.

“They’re both changing head coaches and yet one went from within and is not changing their culture,” continued Klatt. “When you go to Alabama, you have this understanding that everything is different. Everything is different – names, culture is going to be a little bit different. They are going to operate a little bit differently.”

Even so, DeBoer, while certainly not Nick Saban, has a resumé that suggests that he can carry on success for the program. It’ll definitely be a massive shift but is one that can still achieve a lot in T-Town.

“Obviously we expect a lot out of Alabama. They have been on a run under Nick Saban that has been totally unprecedented. Now they’re going to change head coaches to a guy that I firmly believe in,” said Klatt. “Kalen DeBoer will work in Tuscaloosa. This guy is a star, he wins. Please go listen to the conversation from this offseason. I sat down with Kalen DeBoer in Tuscaloosa and we talked about these issues, these things, his philosophy, what he said to these players, how he’s going to try to mix what he brings to the table with a culture that is clearly a premier culture in college football.”

“I’m very interested to see how this all plays out,” added Klatt. “I cannot wait to see Kalen DeBoer with Jalen Milroe. By the way, DeBoer has had dual-threat quarterback in the past. He had one at Sioux Falls, won a national championship with him. It will and can work. There’s no doubt.”

With that said, Klatt didn’t diminish the impact of Alabama moving on from the greatest coach of all time. That along with their schedule capped their ranking from Klatt with them still in the Top-10 but also outside of the top-five.

“This is a team that has a lot of talent based on the way that they’ve recruited. But they are changing. They are changing, this is an outside culture,” admitted Klatt. “This is going to be difficult. This is not a schedule that sets up very favorably for Alabama.”

The expectations at ‘Bama are not going to move, regardless of who is now coaching them. DeBoer should still be able to meet at least some of those early on, though, with them now in eighth for Klatt.