Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer makes bold statement about former Cam Ward weapon, with dig at Miami

Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide football program are gearing up for a big NCAA season, in which expectations will be much higher than during their last year. As a pivotal campaign approaches, the head coach in Tuscaloosa issued a bold admission about former Cam Ward and Miami Hurricanes weapon Isaiah Horton, landing a subtle shot at the program in Coral Gables.

Horton has turned heads in spring training, as he transferred to the Crimson Tide through college football‘s portal ahead of the 2025 season. As the redshirt junior joins the ‘script A’, his impact on the first practices of the year has been deeply noted.

Horton helped Ward during the past season in Miami, and viceversa. The duo combined for 56 receptions, 616 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns in 2024, as the Hurricanes finished with a 10-3 record (6-2 ACC), falling at the gates of an ACC Championship Game appearance.

After three years with the Hurricanes, Horton took on a new challenge in Alabama, joining college football’s most prestigious program. His goal: to help the Crimson Tide regain its footing after a disappointing first season under DeBoer.

Isaiah Horton #2 of the Miami Hurricanes catches a touchdown pass from Cam Ward #1 during the fourth quarter of the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Hard Rock Stadium on September 27, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

As Horton puts his talents on display during Alabama’s spring camp, Coach DeBoer made a bold statement—one that seemed to take a subtle jab at Ward and the Hurricanes.

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“He came here for a reason because he wanted to be pushed,” DeBoer said about Horton, via TDAlabamaMag.com. “He wanted to be challenged. He wanted to come around here. He’s been out there. The lights aren’t going to be too bright for him. You can see just his focus in the phase of workouts that we had. It’s important to him.”

QB1 decision

While still very early to be announcing the starting quarterback for the upcoming NCAA season, recent reports have emerged, stating DeBoer, OC Ryan Grubb, and the staff may be trending towards one strong candidate.

After Jalen Milroe’s departure for the 2025 NFL Draft, the Crimson Tide faced a huge decision surrounding their QB1 role. The quarterback battle between freshman Keelon Russell, redshirt sophomore Austin Mack, and redshirt junior Ty Simpson may be decided already.

According to reports from former ‘Bama QB Greg McElroy, Ty Simpson is the man to beat at the moment as he has “firm control of the starting job”.