Alabama football just got a harsh dose of reality, and it’s time fans accept the truth. This isn’t Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide anymore. Kalen DeBoer walked into the SEC with all the hype in the world, but one game in and it already feels like the dynasty is over. Alabama looked regular, uninspired, and physically dominated. Fans who thought the Tide could coast on the “national brand” are quickly learning that doesn’t hold weight in today’s SEC.

For years, Nick Saban locked down the state of Alabama in recruiting, stacking rosters with five-stars and NFL-caliber talent. That isn’t happening now. Hugh Freeze is taking in-state players. Auburn is surging. Meanwhile, Bama fans cling to the idea that “we can recruit anywhere.” The truth? If you don’t win your backyard, you don’t dominate the SEC.

The quarterback situation is another disaster. Ty Simpson was hyped all offseason as the next star, but his performance was riddled with mistakes and missed reads. Gone are the days of Hurts, Tua, Mac, and Bryce. This looks like the law of averages finally catching up.

The most damning part? Alabama didn’t just lose — they got pushed around. Physically dominated. That’s not something you can explain away with one bad game.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices