Stephen A. Smith is often known for his no-nonsense approach to debates, seldom worried about taking sides and making his stance clear. That approach did not change when he was asked about whether Lane Kiffin or Kalen DeBoer was under more pressure as the 2026 college football season begins.
Speaking on First Take, Stephen A. Smith wasn’t concerned about going against the rest of the ESPN crew as he made it clear that DeBoer was under far more pressure than Kiffin this season.
“We’re talking about the successor to Nick Saban. He (Kalen DeBoer) has lost four games each season, they were lucky to get to the post season…he ain’t the guy. And you’re sitting here saying that Lane Kiffin…he’s under more pressure than Kalen DeBoer? What’s wrong with you?” Smith asked.
“”I’m not saying the man can’t coach, but damn it (Kalen DeBoer) ain’t no Nick Saban.”
More Concerns Highlighted for Alabama Ahead of the New Season
Other than Stephen A. Smith, other analysts have also spoken out about the need for Alabama to look much better this year than last season, with SEC Network analyst Benjamin Watson also chiming in.
“I look back to the SEC championship game, they ran the ball for -3 yards. When have we ever heard of an Alabama team run the ball for -3 yards? So for them to go where they want to go in that offense, they’ve got to develop a certain toughness — and this isn’t an insult. This is just my observation in analyzing the sport. They’ve got to regain a toughness that Alabama used to have, that we didn’t see from them last year,” Watson said on “The Paul Finebaum Show.”
Alabama were beaten by Indiana in the college football playoffs last season at the Rose Bowl, with the Hoosiers convincing 38-3 winners. However, the Crimson Tide will be hoping for a much better campaign this year, with their first piece of action coming against East Carolina on September 5 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
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