Head coach Kalen Deboer of the Alabama Crimson Tide hugs his two daughters Alexis and Avery Deboer after defeating the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

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Tyler Erzberger

By Tyler Erzberger

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At a time when Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide need some good news heading into next week’s clash with the Oklahoma Sooners, they received some on Thursday.

Kaleb Edwards, Michael Carroll, London Simmons, and Dijon Lee Jr. were all named to the All-SEC Freshman Team, tying for the most players on the list alongside the Tennessee Volunteers.

It’s a strong indication for DeBoer, who took over the team two years ago from the legendary Nick Saban, and has tried to rebuild a dynasty that ruled over college football for almost two decades.

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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 18:  The Tennessee Volunteers offense lines up against the Alabama Crimson Tide defense during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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Following a good first year that ended in disappointment when they did not make the College Football Playoff, the Crimson Tide returned with a vengeance in 2025 by making the SEC title game and qualifying for the 12-team showdown for the national championship.

Although DeBoer is currently in a tidal wave of rumors about the open seat at Michigan, with speculators believing he would be their No. 1 choice, the Alabama coach appears to be focused on the task at hand as his team enters the playoffs.

Alabama will play on the road in its opening-round game against the tough Oklahoma Sooners, in what should be a defensive slugfest between the two. The young men honored on Thursday for the Crimson Tide will be important to shutting down a Sooners offense that has, at times this season, struggled against tough defenses.

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