Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer recently addressed the possibility of players opting out of the Crimson Tide’s upcoming bowl game against Michigan. The team is grappling with disappointment after being excluded from the College Football Playoff in favor of No. 10 SMU. Now set to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl, potentially marking star quarterback Jalen Milroe’s final game, DeBoer’s squad must stay focused to avoid becoming the first Alabama team since 2007 to fail to secure at least ten wins in a season.
In an interview with Charlie Potter, Senior Team Writer for BamaOnLine, DeBoer expressed confidence that most players would participate in the bowl game:
“I feel like right now we’re in a place where most of those guys are planning on playing; I don’t care what round they’re planning on going in (the NFL draft).”
Alabama’s Bright Future Despite Current Frustrations
Missing the twelve-team playoff is undeniably disappointing for a program of Alabama’s stature. However, there is still much at stake on December 31. DeBoer, in his first year in Tuscaloosa, is focused on establishing his culture. A strong finish to the season would be significant for the seniors and as a statement to potential recruits. Alabama currently boasts the No. 2 recruiting class for 2025, and a poor performance against Michigan could jeopardize those commitments.
While the frustration is understandable, given Alabama’s stronger résumé on paper compared to SMU, the playoff committee’s decision highlighted a preference for conference champions and records over strength of schedule. Alabama AD Greg Byrne is now reevaluating future nonconference scheduling strategies in response.
Alabama’s three top-25 wins, including a marquee victory over No. 2 Georgia, bolstered its case. Meanwhile, SMU’s losses came against the only ranked teams it faced. Despite Alabama being favored in a hypothetical matchup, SMU secured the final at-large playoff spot. Additionally, conference champions like No. 12 Arizona State and No. 16 Clemson claimed bids that might otherwise have gone to Alabama.
Self-Inflicted Wounds and the Road Ahead
Ultimately, Alabama has itself to blame for missing the playoff. Shocking losses to Vanderbilt and a 21-point defeat to Oklahoma in November sealed the Tide’s fate. As the playoff field expands, the sting of exclusion lessens, but for Alabama, the goal remains clear.
With one game left to play this season, DeBoer and his team can focus on ending on a high note before turning their attention to reclaiming their place at the pinnacle of college football.
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