Lane Kiffin to NFL? Kalen DeBoer-Alabama, Texas-Georgia

Summary of Lane Kiffin to NFL? Kalen DeBoer-Alabama, Texas-Georgia

by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

42m•November 13, 2025
Listen to Episode

Overview of Lane Kiffin to NFL? Kalen DeBoer-Alabama, Texas-Georgia

This episode of The Volume (iHeartPodcasts) features a wide-ranging college football conversation with host(s) and guest Josh Pate. Topics include breakout performances (Fernando Mendoza), coaching transitions (Kalen DeBoer at Alabama), major upcoming matchups (Alabama–Oklahoma, Iowa–USC, Texas–Georgia), conference dynamics after expansion, the NFL as a potential destination for college coaches (Lane Kiffin), and praise for Ohio State’s rise under Ryan Day.

Key topics discussed

  • Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)

    • Mendoza’s late-game drive vs. Penn State framed as a coming-of-age moment that raised his national profile and Heisman buzz.
    • Discussion of how a single dominant drive can shift perception for scouts, media, and teammates.

  • Kalen DeBoer at Alabama

    • DeBoer’s first-year struggles and the context: Saban’s retirement, massive roster/portal churn, NIL era, and limited spring/summer control of roster.
    • Argument that DeBoer’s strengths mirror his Washington teams: winning many close games rather than blowing teams out.
    • How the offense has relied on passing (and Ty Simpson’s growth) despite a diminished running game.
    • The Oklahoma loss last year was a pivotal moment that fueled criticism and rumors—this season is framed as redemption/validation.

  • Alabama vs. Oklahoma (and Alabama’s trajectory)

    • Debate on which team is peaking; Alabama viewed as an improving, “tinkering” offense under DeBoer and staff, while Oklahoma represents a more defined, established identity.
    • Case made that Alabama could be the second-best team in the country behind Ohio State if their offensive development continues.

  • Iowa vs. USC

    • Iowa’s ability to stifle passing games and the toughness of their front; weather and game style could favor Iowa.
    • USC’s surprising running game and big-step improvement from QB Jaden Maiava—USC’s offensive identity increasing viability vs. Big Ten teams.

  • Texas vs. Georgia

    • Game likely decided by QB play and quick passing/routing in space (tackles in space, YAC).
    • Arch Manning’s late-season development makes Texas more dangerous; Georgia remains the safer pick because of staff identity and consistent physical recruiting.

  • Lane Kiffin and NFL speculation

    • Kiffin is widely considered to be a coach who could transition to the NFL—longstanding interest and past pro-level ties (Raiders/Miami discussions).
    • Recruiting realities at Ole Miss: offensive recruits often follow coaches/schemes; top defensive talent often still prefers powerhouse programs (Georgia, Bama, Ohio State), which shapes expectations for Ole Miss-style programs.
    • Coaches commonly eye the NFL; personal life and preference (recruiting vs. coaching pros) often decide the move.

  • Conference expansion, Big Ten vs. SEC

    • Expansion has created more marquee cross-regional matchups and rebalanced perceived power.
    • Ohio State’s elite defense and consistent top-level play invite questions about top-heavy peaks in the Big Ten vs. SEC depth; Ryan Day’s job is receiving high marks for how the program has absorbed roster/coach turnover and improved defensively.

Main takeaways

  • Coaches and context matter: DeBoer’s season needs to be seen through the lens of roster flux, NIL, and the reality of inheriting players mid-cycle—his ability to win close games is a repeatable skill rather than pure luck.
  • Breakout moments change narratives: Mendoza’s Penn State drive dramatically elevated his reputation and cleared internal doubts.
  • Quarterback play will decide key matchups: Texas–Georgia and Alabama–Oklahoma are expected to come down to QB play, scheme adaptability, and quick-release passing into space.
  • Lane Kiffin is NFL-capable and likely entertains that option; many top college coaches consider the NFL, but personal priorities (recruiting, family, identity) dictate choice.
  • Ohio State’s rise is real; if they continue dominating, it will reshape debates about conference balance but also reflect team-by-team peaks rather than wholesale conference superiority.

Notable quotes & insights

  • DeBoer “got a used Rolls Royce” — i.e., inheriting Alabama in the NIL/portal era is far from a turnkey job.
  • “Offensive coaches are tinkers; defensive coaches tend to have a more fixed identity.” — useful framework for understanding in-season development.
  • Mendoza’s Penn State drive described as “Sunday caliber” — the kind of moment scouts and execs circle.

Matchups & storylines to watch

  • Alabama vs. Oklahoma — validation for DeBoer and a test of Alabama’s offensive growth.
  • Iowa vs. USC — weather, rushing matchup, and whether USC can survive Big Ten-style grind.
  • Texas vs. Georgia — quarterback play (Arch Manning) and who can create/defend quick passing in space.
  • Ohio State’s trajectory — can Ryan Day’s team maintain top-level play and claim national title momentum?
  • Lane Kiffin’s future — continued success or a potential NFL jump remains a storyline.

Bottom line / recommendations for listeners

  • If you want one-sentence guidance: watch the quarterbacks and coaching adjustments—those will determine the season’s biggest games.
  • Keep an eye on Mendoza and Ty Simpson as Heisman/impact candidates; monitor DeBoer’s Alabama in the next big tests (especially against Oklahoma).
  • For narrative and personnel watchers: follow Lane Kiffin rumors and the recruiting/roster consequences of conference expansion—those are shaping long-term power dynamics.