By Mmesoma 
College football analyst Paul Finebaum has never been shy about holding Alabama’s football program to the highest standards. And now, just over a year into the Kalen DeBoer era, he’s offering the kind of praise once reserved only for legendary head coach Nick Saban.
Appearing on his show Monday, Finebaum labeled Alabama’s current recruiting streak under DeBoer as “one of the great runs we’ve seen,” directly likening the first-time SEC head coach’s momentum to the dynasty-building efforts of Saban during his prime in Tuscaloosa.
> “You can’t ignore what’s happening in Alabama right now,” Finebaum said. “This is one of the great recruiting runs we’ve seen — and it’s got shades of Saban all over it.”
DeBoer Making Noise on the Trail
Since taking over in 2024, DeBoer has quickly erased early doubts about his ability to maintain Alabama’s powerhouse status. After a strong 2025 class, he’s now stacking elite talent for 2026 — including multiple five-star commits and top-ranked players from traditional SEC and Big Ten territories.
DeBoer recently landed commitments from blue-chip prospects like wide receiver Cederian Morgan and linebacker Owen Cabell, both choosing Alabama over long-time regional rivals. The Crimson Tide are trending for even more elite names as the summer unfolds.
> “When you start pulling top-tier talent from across the country — and keeping the SEC at bay — that’s when you know you’re doing something special,” Finebaum added.
From Uncertainty to Unstoppable
When DeBoer was hired from Washington following Nick Saban’s retirement, skepticism was loud and immediate. Critics questioned whether the former Huskies head coach could handle the expectations and recruiting demands of the SEC.
But as Finebaum now admits, those doubts are being washed away.
> “We all wondered if he could recruit at a Saban level. Well, I think we’re getting that answer right now,” he said.
A New Chapter, Same Standard
Finebaum was quick to clarify that DeBoer still has a long way to go to match Saban’s legacy. But he also emphasized that the foundation being built mirrors the early stages of the legendary coach’s dominance.
> “No one is saying he is Nick Saban,” Finebaum stated. “But when it comes to recruiting? He’s doing it like Alabama never missed a beat.”
What’s Next?
With Alabama surging in 2026 recruiting rankings and gaining steam on the field, the question now is whether DeBoer can translate this off-field momentum into championships — just as Saban did for over a decade.
For now, one thing is clear: the college football world is paying attention.
> “We’re witnessing something big,” Finebaum said. “This isn’t just holding the line after Saban — this could be the start of another Alabama dynasty.”