Paul Finebaum, the well-known college football analyst and SEC Network personality, recently weighed in on the evolving landscape of college football, highlighting Alabama and Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer as key figures sending a powerful “notice” to the rest of the sport.
Finebaum’s remarks come amid a shifting power dynamic in college football, where traditional giants like Alabama continue to assert dominance while new challengers emerge with innovative approaches and strong leadership. Alabama, under head coach Nick Saban, has long been the gold standard in college football, combining elite recruiting with a relentless winning culture. However, the emergence of coaches like Kalen DeBoer—who has rapidly transformed Washington into a national contender—signals that the balance of power may be evolving.
According to Finebaum, both Alabama and DeBoer’s Washington program are issuing a clear message to other programs: the bar for success has been raised, and complacency is no longer an option. Alabama’s sustained excellence under Saban has set an almost impossible benchmark, but DeBoer’s impact in a relatively short time is equally impressive, showcasing how strategic coaching and player development can quickly reshape a program’s trajectory.
Finebaum emphasized that DeBoer’s success is not just about wins and losses, but about the culture he’s cultivating in Seattle—one of discipline, innovation, and adaptability. This mirrors what Alabama has done for over a decade, proving that to remain competitive, programs must be willing to evolve continuously.
The “notice” Finebaum refers to is both a challenge and a warning: the traditional powers can’t afford to rest on their laurels, and rising programs with visionary coaching staffs are ready to compete at the highest levels. This dynamic promises a more exciting and unpredictable college football landscape moving forward, where power shifts could happen quicker than ever.
