The Kalen DeBoer era at Alabama is already making headlines, and not just for what’s happening on the field. In fact, one of the biggest shifts from the Nick Saban era has taken place behind the scenes — and it’s all about recruiting.
According to recently released figures, Alabama’s football recruiting budget saw a massive increase during DeBoer’s first year at the helm. From 2019 to 2023, during the tail end of Saban’s legendary tenure, the Crimson Tide never spent more than $3 million annually on football recruiting. That span included multiple top-three recruiting classes and even three No. 1 overall classes. Yet, the spending remained relatively conservative, especially considering Alabama’s elite performance on the trail.
But that changed in a big way in fiscal year 2024 — DeBoer’s first year leading the program. Alabama poured nearly $5.3 million into football recruiting, nearly doubling the investment from recent years. The increase is more than just a number; it’s a clear sign of a new approach and evolving strategy under DeBoer.
Athletic Director Greg Byrne addressed the increase and offered insight into why the university felt it was necessary to significantly boost recruiting expenditures.
“The recruiting landscape in college football is evolving rapidly,” Byrne said. “From NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) to the transfer portal to the increasing competition for elite talent, everything is changing. To stay at the top, you have to adapt.”
Byrne went on to explain that under Saban, Alabama had built a recruiting machine — one that ran like clockwork due to Saban’s influence, relationships, and reputation. With a new head coach coming in, particularly one who doesn’t yet have Saban’s decades of name recognition and SEC roots, the university felt it was essential to bolster the infrastructure around him.
“There’s no replacing Coach Saban,” Byrne added. “But what we can do is surround Coach DeBoer with the tools and resources to succeed. That includes investing in staff, travel, facilities, technology, and the overall recruiting experience for prospects.”
The increased spending isn’t just about throwing money at the problem — it’s targeted. Alabama is putting more resources into national travel, digital content creation, advanced scouting, and player evaluation tools. There’s also a bigger emphasis on enhancing the campus visit experience for recruits and their families, ensuring that Alabama remains one of the most attractive destinations in the country.
It’s clear that DeBoer is being set up to succeed — and Alabama is willing to pay to make sure the foundation remains rock solid. While the Crimson Tide didn’t need a major overhaul in terms of recruiting philosophy, the shift in leadership has prompted a re-evaluation of what it takes to maintain the program’s elite status.
For fans, this should be a reassuring sign. Alabama isn’t content to rest on its laurels. The program recognizes the competitive landscape is fiercer than ever, and it’s taking proactive steps to remain at the forefront. Under Kalen DeBoer, backed by a bigger recruiting budget and strong administrative support, the Crimson Tide are determined to stay a step ahead.