Alabama Football enters a pivotal offseason as Kalen DeBoer begins shaping the next era in Tuscaloosa — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
In this episode, the hosts break down why it’s a positive sign that neither Alabama quarterback transferred, despite heavy portal movement elsewhere. DeBoer publicly called it a win, but the panel isn’t convinced everything is perfect — especially up front, where Alabama may have lost too many offensive linemen to the transfer portal.
The conversation centers on the QB competition between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. Mack is viewed as a talented but still hard-to-evaluate option, while Russell’s arm talent stands out immediately, with the hosts saying his ball comes off “like dynamite.” Ultimately, they agree the job will come down to mental processing, command of the offense, and comfort in DeBoer’s system.
The show also dives into Alabama’s offensive line coaching change, explaining why the previous staff was replaced after multiple underwhelming seasons. New O-line coach Adrian Klemm arrives with a strong résumé as a run game coordinator and a track record of elevating line play — something the hosts agree Alabama desperately needed.
From there, the discussion shifts to the NFL, where the panel calls it “embarrassing” that Bill Belichick was not elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, especially given Clem’s ties to Belichick and his coaching tree.
The episode wraps with a pair of powerful Alabama stories:
Jake Coker recounts running into former coach Dameyune Craig at the Senior Bowl and reflects on how Craig fought to get him scholarship opportunities at both Florida State and Alabama.
A tribute to Eddie Conyers, who passed away at 97 after serving as a referee at Alabama practices for nearly 60 years, including a classic Nick Saban story involving a flag Conyers had to pick back up after getting chewed out.
From quarterback intrigue to coaching changes and Crimson Tide history, this is a must-watch conversation for any Alabama Football fan.
SUBSCRIBE:
@NextRoundLive – / @nextroundlive
FOLLOW TNR ON RUMBLE: https://rumble.com/c/c-7759604
FOLLOW TNR ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zlofzLZht7dYxjNcBNpWN
FOLLOW TNR ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-round/id1797862560
WEBSITE: https://nextroundlive.com/
MOBILE APP: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-next-round/id1580807480
SHOP THE NEXT ROUND STORE: https://nextround.store/
Like TNR on Facebook: / nextroundlive
Follow TNR on Twitter: / nextroundlive
Follow TNR on Instagram: / nextroundlive
Follow everyone from the show on Twitter:
Jim Dunaway: / jimdunaway
Ryan Brown: / ryanbrownlive
Lance Taylor: / thelancetaylor
Scott Forester: / scottforestertv
Tyler Johns: /TylerJohnsTNR
Sponsor the show: sales@nextroundlive.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
