Earlier this week, the Alabama Crimson Tide decided to extend head coach Kalen DeBoer, signing him to a 7-year extension and giving his salary a bump to $12.5. million a year. That was met with some mixed reviews, given what has happened at the Capstone the last couple of seasons.

But on Saturday, some of the biggest news of the offseason broke, and it shows exactly why Alabama just inked its HC for the long term.

Alabama secures commitment from 5-star QB Elijah Haven

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Alabama beat out just about every program in the nation to secure Haven, but in the end, they one-upped SEC foe Georgia in what had quickly turned into a two-horse race. The larger storyline here, however, is looking at what Kalen DeBer has accomplished on the recruiting circuit since joining the Crimson Tide.

Kalen DeBoer has secured 3 consecutive 5-star commitments from a quarterback

The first big recruiting win for Kalen DeBoer was when presumptive 2026 starter Keelon Russell committed in the 2025 class. Jett Thomalla was a consensus 5-star and also rated among the best quarterbacks in the nation as part of Alabama’s latest class, and now the team has Haven.

That tells me that Alabama is in good hands and that there is a symbiotic relationship here. Recruits know that if you play quarterback for Kalen DeBoer, you’re probably going to the league.

Michael Penix and Ty Simpson were first-round picks, and Jalen Milroe went in the third round. That is DeBoer’s trump card. And when you can secure the best players at the most important position, that is what leads to wins.

Now it’s just about getting the job done on the field.