Kalen DeBoer (HC) – After appearing in the National Championship in January of 2024 as the head coach of the Washington Huskies, DeBoer took the job of replacing arguably the greatest football coach of all time at Alabama just days later. If there’s any matchup that says “Welcome to the SEC” for the new coach, it’s a home SEC opener matchup with the Georgia Bulldogs, a team that has become one of the Tide’s biggest foes over the last few seasons. DeBoer has the opportunity to not only provide his team with a monumental home win in front of a rowdy Bryant-Denny Stadium, but also show the nation that Alabama is here to stay, even with the absence of Nick Saban.
Jalen Milroe (QB #4) – This player is undoubtedly the key player to watch in the Tide’s upcoming matchup with the Bulldogs. As an emerging Heisman candidate, the junior signal-caller has thrown for 590 yards and eight touchdowns in the first three games of the season. However, his most game-changing abilities come in the run game, where he’s averaging 52 yards and two touchdowns a game this year. If he can break away from the Dawgs’ pass rush for big gains on the ground, his performance, along with a clean game in the air, could be the biggest factor for an Alabama victory.
Jam Miller (RB #26) – Miller has been a key part of the Tide’s rushing threat alongside Milroe, going for 265 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries. Georgia’s defensive line, however, has been strong against the rush in their first three games, allowing just 110 yards per game. The junior back will certainly be a force in what will be a dual-threat rushing attack to keep the Dawgs honest up front.
Ryan Williams (WR #2) – Ryan Williams may be Alabama’s most talented offensive player already… and he is only 17 years old. Williams was the top ranked receiver in the Class of 2025. Yes, you heard that right. He was originally meant to graduate from high school this coming May. Instead, he decided to reclassify and graduate early. Since then, he is the leading and most explosive receiver on Alabama’s roster with over 280 yards and four touchdowns. Make sure to keep an eye out on the Dawgs’ plan of attack for No. 2.
Jihaad Campbell (LB #11) – The junior linebacker leads the Tide defense in tackles with an impressive 18 in three games. With a tough matchup looming against the many weapons that the Georgia offense possesses, Campbell will need to have yet another commanding game to contain the Bulldogs’ offensive attack for four quarters.
Keon Sabb (DB #3) – When playing in a home game against another top-SEC team, one of the most effective ways to stop the opposing offense is to force turnovers. Sabb, who already has two interceptions this season along with 11 tackles, has the ability to be the most impactful player on defense for Alabama. If he and his fellow defensive backs can cover up Beck’s options, they can force Georgia’s star player to make uncharacteristic turnovers.
When it comes to Alabama and NFL legends, Joe Willie Namath is at the top of the list. The star Crimson Tide quarterback led the New York Jets to a 16-7 Super Bowl III win over the Colts.
From 1977-1979, Alabama went 11-1, 11-1 and 12-0, for a cumulative mark of 34-2. The Crimson Tide won two national titles, three SEC crowns and three straight Sugar Bowls.
Two Alabama golfers went on to win professional major titles – Jerry Pate captured the 1976 U.S. Open at Atlanta Athletic Club and Justin Thomas has twice won the PGA Championship.