Nick Saban's former RB pours cold water on Kalen DeBoer-led Alabama's chances of making playoffs in 2025

Alabama finished the 2024 season 9-4 overall and 5-3 in the Southeastern Conference under new coach Kalen DeBoer, who replaced Nick Saban. On Tuesday, former Crimson Tide running back Damien Harris discussed whether the program will improve its record in 2025 in an interview with CBS Sports.

"If I have to be completely honest, I think record-wise it’s going to be similar to last year,” Harris said (Timestamp: 10:00). “I think this team overall will play better. I think that we’ll have a more put-together display on the field offensively. Defensively, Year 2 under Kalen DeBoer, he can tighten some screws.”

He predicted wins over teams like Florida State, Wisconsin, Auburn and Tennessee, but losses to Georgia, South Carolina and LSU. One concern for him is who will start at quarterback for Alabama, something that hasn’t been settled yet.

“I see an improved team,” Harris said. “I don’t see an improved record, and I don’t see a college football playoff appearance.”

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What did Damien Harris say about Alabama’s predicted losses?

Damien Harris said playing on the road against Georgia in Athens will be tough, especially if Alabama's quarterback situation unfolds as expected.

"I mean if Gunner Stockton ends up becoming the guy that Georgia wants him to be, and they’re playing at Georgia between the hedges, that’s a game where I have to go with my heart and go with Kirby Smart and the Dogs,” Harris said (Timestamp: 10:21) “He’s been in this situation time after time. He’s beaten the Alabama team when Nick Saban was there.

"Granted, we know they lost that thriller last year, but a lot of people came away from that game thinking Georgia was still the better team.”

For South Carolina, Harris mentioned that Columbia is a hard place to play in.

“You look at South Carolina … that’s a place where Nick Saban has come out and said, ‘This is not an easy place to win.’ … I have to look at the quarterback position.

"LaNorris Sellers looks to be a Heisman Trophy candidate this year. And you look at the defensive side of the ball, you’ve got guys like Dylan Stewart who can rush the passer.”

As for LSU, Harris believes they’ll be much better prepared for Alabama’s offense than they were last year, especially with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier leading the Tigers.