Paul Finebaum Reacts to Alabama’s Scorching Recruiting Surge, Declares Boldly: ‘Right Now, Kalen DeBoer Can Do No Wrong’

Paul Finebaum has never been one to mince words when it comes to college football, especially in the heartland of the sport — the SEC. But even the notoriously critical ESPN analyst couldn’t hide his astonishment during a recent segment when Alabama’s red-hot recruiting run under new head coach Kalen DeBoer was brought into focus.

“This is a statement. A powerful one,” Finebaum said, eyes widened behind his glasses. “I’ll just say it like this — right now, Kalen DeBoer can do no wrong.”

That’s not a phrase Finebaum throws around lightly. But Alabama’s recruiting momentum has become impossible to ignore. After a shaky transition following the retirement of Nick Saban — a man whose shadow stretches across decades of dominance — DeBoer has not only steadied the program, but he’s lit a fire under it.

Alabama has landed commitment after commitment in recent weeks, including several five-star prospects and a handful of key flips from rival programs. The Crimson Tide, once questioned about their future in the SEC hierarchy, are now right back in the national spotlight — this time with a new architect at the helm.

From Doubt to Dominance

When Kalen DeBoer was hired, questions swirled. Could a man who had never coached in the SEC — who built his resume largely in the Mountain West and Pac-12 — succeed at the University of Alabama? Could he recruit against the likes of Kirby Smart, Steve Sarkisian, and Brian Kelly? Could he match the standard Saban had set for 17 seasons?

Now, just months into his tenure, DeBoer is answering those questions emphatically — with commitments, with momentum, and with belief.

“He’s showing that he gets it,” Finebaum said. “And not just with Xs and Os. He’s showing that he understands what this job is about. He’s not trying to be Saban. He’s being himself — and the recruits are buying it.”

And they’re buying in droves.

The Crimson Tide’s 2025 recruiting class has leaped into the top three nationally, according to multiple outlets, after what many insiders are calling the most aggressive and strategically savvy recruiting run since the early days of the Saban era. Alabama has secured blue-chip talent across every position group, including an elite quarterback, multiple trench monsters on both sides of the ball, and skill players with game-breaking potential.

Recruits Speak Out

Perhaps the most telling sign that DeBoer’s message is resonating? The recruits themselves.

“Coach DeBoer’s energy is different,” said five-star defensive end Daevon Mitchell, who flipped from Oklahoma to join Alabama’s class. “He’s real. He’s about business, but he also takes time to know you as a person. That stood out to me. You can tell he’s building something, and I want to be part of it.”

Mitchell isn’t alone. Four-star quarterback Jaxon Barnes, considered one of the most polished passers in the class, had been leaning toward USC before a visit to Tuscaloosa changed everything.

“I felt like I could be part of something special,” Barnes said. “The staff made me feel wanted. Coach DeBoer showed me how he plans to use me in the offense, and it just clicked.”

That’s becoming a theme — clarity, honesty, and a vision recruits can believe in. DeBoer is positioning Alabama not as a team in transition, but as a program that’s adapting and innovating while staying true to its championship DNA.

Finebaum’s Candid Take

“There are always risks when you bring in someone from outside the SEC,” Finebaum said. “You’re not just stepping into a job — you’re stepping into a pressure cooker where expectations aren’t just high; they’re unreasonable. But Kalen DeBoer is thriving.”

Finebaum pointed to the level of organization, messaging, and unity in Alabama’s recruiting approach.

“You can see the fingerprints of a strong, aligned staff. These kids are being recruited with a plan — and not just the plan to win games, but to develop them into pros and men. That resonates with families. Especially in a world where NIL is part of the picture, relationships matter more than ever.”

When asked how long Alabama can sustain this momentum, Finebaum grinned.

“As long as they’re stacking wins — and they will — this momentum won’t just continue. It’ll grow. Alabama isn’t back; Alabama never really left. DeBoer is just reintroducing them to a new era.”

Balancing Legacy With Innovation

DeBoer, who went 25–3 in his final two seasons at Washington, including a national championship appearance, has brought with him a sense of calm professionalism. He hasn’t tried to replicate Saban’s style or personality, but he has leaned into the lessons of structure, detail, and discipline that defined the previous regime.

What makes DeBoer unique, however, is his approachability. He connects with players on a human level, recruits with a personal touch, and surrounds himself with assistants who can close deals.

“He’s figured it out faster than most,” Finebaum noted. “He knows how to use the Alabama brand. He’s not apologizing for the standard. He’s embracing it.”

And that’s where the energy around the program feels different. There’s excitement again. Not just about what Alabama has been — but about what it’s becoming.

The SEC Arms Race

Still, Alabama’s rise under DeBoer comes at a time when the SEC is more competitive than ever. Georgia remains a juggernaut. Texas is surging. LSU, Tennessee, and Ole Miss are all clawing for position. There is no margin for error.

That’s why this recruiting run feels so critical. It’s not just about adding talent — it’s about re-establishing dominance.

“You don’t win championships in February,” Finebaum said, “but you build them then. DeBoer is building a monster class — and if this is the baseline, then the rest of the SEC better buckle up.”

Rival coaches are already taking notice. One anonymous SEC staffer told 247Sports, “We hoped they’d take a step back with Saban gone. It doesn’t look like that’s happening. DeBoer is going to be a problem.”

With the early signing period still months away, Alabama isn’t done. Multiple top-100 prospects are trending toward the Tide, and DeBoer’s staff continues to secure key visits from elite talent across the country. The message is simple: Alabama isn’t rebuilding. It’s reloading — with purpose and precision.

Finebaum, for his part, believes the next step is proving it on the field.

“You can win the offseason,” he said, “but September is where it gets real. Still, based on what we’ve seen, I’d be very nervous if I were facing Alabama in 2025. Because that team is going to be dangerous — and they’ll be talented, hungry, and well-coached.”

For now, though, the headlines belong to DeBoer and his recruiting magic. And Finebaum’s words still echo across SEC circles.

“He can do no wrong — not right now,” he said. “And honestly, that might be the most terrifying thing for the rest of college football.”

In a sport that thrives on drama, rivalry, and spectacle, Alabama’s return to the top of the recruiting mountain under a fresh-faced leader has given fans a new chapter to watch unfold. DeBoer is making believers out of doubters — and Paul Finebaum might just be the biggest believer of them all.

If DeBoer keeps this up, “can do no wrong” might soon become “can’t be stopped.”