The moment Nick Saban retired, college football rejoiced in declaring that Alabama Football would struggle in recruiting due to losing the NIL discount that Nick Saban brought. Rivals are finding out, however, that Kalen DeBoer and Alabama Football are still one of the powers of college football and they’re here to stay. Rivals questioned DeBoer’s ability to recruit in the South, with Auburn fans even nicknaming DeBoer “Husky Harsin.”
The results, however, leave Auburn and every other fan base with little to laugh about as DeBoer has impressed early on.
His first true test on the job was landing five-star wide receiver Ryan Williams who was heavily favored to land at Auburn while also considering SEC rivals Texas and Texas A&M. DeBoer impressed Williams and was able to land him once again, giving DeBoer a signature recruiting win in his first month on the job.
Alabama Football also made a massive statement by landing defensive tackle Antonio Coleman. At the time, Coleman was the highest-ranked recruit in Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class before DeBoer stole him away.
Auburn fans thought they were going to land top in-state receiver Derick Smith as well, with Auburn insiders predicting an Auburn commitment. DeBoer hosted Smith on the opening weekend of spring visits and landed the talented receiver over Auburn, Georgia, and others.
