Kalen DeBoer on handling pressure at Alabama: 'I've always wanted to be at the top'

Alabama gained a few critics thanks to its 31-17 loss to Florida State during Week 1. There was pressure for the Crimson Tide to roll past UL Monroe during Week 2, which they did.

When head coach Kalen DeBoer took the Alabama job last season, he knew there would be more eyes on him than ever before. However, that that pressure is more internal that anything, according to the Alabama boss.

“I’m used to that. I’ve always wanted to be at the top,” DeBoer told ESPN’s College GameDay on Saturday morning. “When you’re in those moments, it’s like a challenge. It’s like punch or be punched. And we’re fighting back and I love that it brings energy to me, you know, to be in these spots.

“I love the challenge, and I feel like our staff has continued to elevate and raise the level of our guys. I’m looking forward to seeing what our team does coming out on the football field today.”

DeBoer is a proven winner in college football, and has done more with less at every stop along his way to Tuscaloosa. Most notably, DeBoer led Washington to the national championship game in 2023. The was coaching the Crimson Tide the next fall.

What followed was Alabama’s first sub 10-win season since 2007 — Nick Saban’s first with the program. The 9-4 finish ended with a 19-13 loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl, falling short of the College Football Playoffs despite being ranked as high as No. 1 last season.

One of those victories from DeBoer’s inaugural season was a 42-10 blowout victory against Alabama’s opponent on Saturday, Wisconsin. In 2025, the Crimson Tide will hope to see a similar outcome on their home turf. If not — Alabama would be 1-2 with two non-conference losses to power conference opponents before Week 4.

Alabama will hope to avoid a second early-season loss this Saturday. Instead, they’ll look to make an example out of the Badgers on their home turf.

Kickoff between the Crimson Tide and Badgers is set for Noon ET and will air live on ABC. While Alabama will be missing out on a couple of its stars in RB Jam Miller and DL Tim Keenan, the Crimson Tide are still favored to with the matchup.

According to BetMGM, Alabama is a 20.5-point betting favorite to beat Wisconsin in Tuscaloosa. The over/under is set at 45.5 total points.