"One of the high-level handoffs of baton in history of this sport": Josh Pate calls Alabama's Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer transition a monumental move

After 17 years of Nick Saban, Alabama moved on to Kalen DeBoer in January. The former Washington coach was hired to replace the seven-time national championship winner with the aim of keeping the Crimson Tide competitive within the college football landscape.

College football analyst Josh Pate sees the transition as a smooth one. Saban is considered the greatest college football coach of all time while DeBoer has the credentials to lead the Crimson Tide to another successful era.

“You may be looking at one of the most high-level handoffs of the baton in the history of the sport,” Pate said. “From one icon to another guy whose best chapters of his career may be made in Tuscaloosa. So, Alabama is the No. 2 program in the country over the next three years.”

Alabama has maintained recruiting momentum

Alabama’s ability to recruit at a high level was crucial to the program's success during Nick Saban's reign. In his last five years, the Crimson Tide did not rank below second in any recruiting class, leading the way on three separate occasions.

The momentum hasn't dropped in the program as many expected following Saban's departure DeBoer has been able to acquire some of the best recruits in the 2025 and 2026 classes, showcasing a huge possibility of continued success in his time with the Crimson Tide.

“The program is top-notch. Recruiting over the past three years has been No. 1 on average in the country," Pate said. “They will be top five moving forward, because look at how they're acquiring talent already. That was the great unknown.”

Josh Pate believes not a lot has changed in Tuscaloosa

While Nick Saban's departure was a huge event at Alabama, Josh Pate believes not much has changed with the program. He projects that the Crimson Tide will be No. 2 in college football over the next three years, the same position they’d be if Saban was around.

“No. 2 program in college football over the next three years is Alabama,” Pate said. “The same as we would have called it recently. Only that there was a coaching change there.”

There’s a lot of anticipation in the college football world as DeBoer takes on his first season in Tuscaloosa. He gets a better chance to challenge for the national title next season with the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams.