Jumbo Package: Greg McElroy tabs Kalen DeBoer as “elite”

Happy Monday, everyone. We have reached the most painful part of the offseason, with fall camp looming in about three weeks and absolutely nothing going on. But, as always, we bring you what we have.

Greg McElroy believes that Kalen DeBoer isn’t getting a fair shake from many.

“Lane Kiffin went 14 years without a Power Conference ranked win,” Greg said.

McElroy brought out the receipt for the disparity. DeBoer already has a 20-6 record against AP Top 25 teams, giving him a 77% winning percentage against some of the best of the best. Kiffin has a losing record of 13-24 (or 13-25) against ranked opponents and literally went 14 years without a single Power Conference ranked win. All that, the media still treats him like the second coming of Jesus.

Greg gave his final verdict: “DeBoer had multiple last year and ended some significant winning streaks in the process. Those who support him don’t have to search very hard for reasons why he’s an elite coach. The evidence is right there.”

Kalen will have his opportunity to prove it in year three.

USA Today staff filled their #content quota with a ranking of best head coaches. What a unique idea!

9. Kalen DeBoer, Alabama (8)

DeBoer won 19 games through two seasons as Nick Saban’s heir, he owns two wins against Smart, and he’s 5-1 against rivals Tennessee, LSU and Auburn. That’s the upside of his tenure. On the other hand, he’s served up a few mind-boggling losses. Alabama fans will expect more than 10-win seasons now that he’s settled. DeBoer didn’t run from the challenge, staying after Michigan’s job opened. Alabama’s administration retains belief in DeBoer, as evidenced by his contract extension.

Marshall Pritchett is the latest in the “50 players” series.

Pritchett, who played his high school football at Rabuns Gap-Nacoochee in Georgia, was a four-star prospect in the 2025 class. Experts noted his pass catching ability as a prep star, and the 247Sports composite ranked him as the No. 15 tight end in the class.

Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer praised Pritchett’s efforts after Alabama’s second spring scrimmage.

“Marshall had a nice scrimmage today,” DeBoer said. “It was one of his better showings as far as not just doing what you are supposed to do, but standing out and making some plays.”

Labaron Philon and Johni Broome are having a ball hamming it up together in Philly.

Philon lifted a taped-up hand into the air.

“Mr. Broome, I’ve got a question.”

“Coming off the screen, number double zero dimed you up, like you dunked on two people right there. Like, when you was rolling, what did you see? The pass? You seen the rim? You seen two guys? What did you see on that play?”

Broome proceeded to answer the question with the sarcasm-laced seriousness that Philon delivered the bit with.

“I kind of felt like that was a great pass, you know, great setup. I catch the ball, I see two people that wasn’t on my team, and I just start thinking, ‘Bodies, bodies, bodies,'” Broome responded.

Last, just how slow is it right now?

Argentina is Alabama (during the Nick Saban years): Argentina is the gold standard of international soccer, much like Alabama was during the Nick Saban era. La Albiceleste has been the sport’s most dominant force over the past five years, winning the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles while sandwiching a World Cup trophy in 2022 behind Lionel Messi. 

The Argentines refuse to be beaten. They thrive in pressure moments – as has been particularly evident throughout the knockout rounds at this World Cup – and that’s because of the championship mentality that’s deeply ingrained in the program’s culture.

That’s what made Alabama a dynasty under Saban. The Crimson Tide didn’t just stockpile elite talent – they expected to win every game and often did. Like Argentina, they were the measuring stick by which every other team compared themselves.

Alrighty then.

That’s about it for today. Have a great week.

Roll Tide.