2024 Season: Divergent Paths
to the Iron Bowl
Alabama 9-4 | Auburn 5-7 | Iron Bowl Victory Defines Contrasting Seasons
Season-by-Season Comparison
Alabama Crimson Tide
Auburn Tigers
Iron Bowl: The Season's Defining Moment
November 30, 2024
The 2024 Iron Bowl represented more than just another chapter in college football's most intense rivalry—it was the moment that perfectly encapsulated both teams' seasons. For Alabama, it was a statement victory in Kalen DeBoer's first Iron Bowl, with Jalen Milroe's three rushing touchdowns providing the difference in a 28-14 win.
For Auburn, the loss was the culmination of a challenging 5-7 season under second-year head coach Hugh Freeze. Despite the overall struggles, the Tigers fought valiantly but couldn't overcome Milroe's dual-threat performance and Alabama's strong home-field advantage at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Impact on Alabama
- • First Iron Bowl win for DeBoer
- • Validated offensive system with Milroe
- • Built momentum for bowl season
- • Recruiting advantage for 2025
Impact on Auburn
- • Continued struggles against Alabama
- • Missed opportunity for bowl eligibility
- • Increased coaching pressure
- • Portal departure acceleration
Coaching Impact
Kalen DeBoer's First Season
Taking over for Nick Saban was an impossible task, but Kalen DeBoer navigated his first season remarkably well. The 9-4 record and Iron Bowl victory exceeded expectations, demonstrating that Alabama would remain competitive in the post-Saban era.
Key Achievements:
- • Iron Bowl victory in first attempt
- • Bowl game appearance
- • 5-3 SEC record
- • AP Top 25 finish (#17)
Post-Season Coaching Changes:
- • Colin Hitschler (Safeties coach) - Dismissed
- • Chuck Morrell promoted to full-time LB coach
- • Maurice Linguist takes over entire secondary
- • Kane Wommack focuses solely on DC duties
Hugh Freeze's Second Season
The 2024 season represented a step back for Auburn in Hugh Freeze's second year. Despite bringing in new coordinators Derrick Nix (offense) and D.J. Durkin (defense), the Tigers couldn't achieve bowl eligibility, finishing 5-7 overall.
Season Challenges:
- • 2-6 SEC record
- • No bowl eligibility
- • Continued Iron Bowl struggles
- • Significant roster turnover expected
Staff Stability:
As of October 2025, Hugh Freeze remains as head coach despite speculation about his job security. The coaching staff continuity for 2025 will be crucial for Auburn's rebound efforts.
Transfer Portal Impact
Alabama Portal Movement
Key Departures (NFL Draft)
- • Tyler Booker (OT) - Draft eligible
- • Jihaad Campbell (LB) - Draft eligible
- • Other key seniors leaving
Key Departures (Transfer Portal)
- • Jeremiah Alexander (LB) - Entered portal
- • Elijah Pritchett (OT) - Entered portal
- • 20+ players total in portal
Key Additions (Transfers In)
- • Isaiah Horton (WR) - from Miami
- • Kam Dewberry (OG) - from Texas A&M
- • Kelby Collins (DL) - from Florida
- • Arkel Anugwom (OT) - from Ball State
Auburn Portal Movement
Significant Impact: Auburn experienced a major transfer portal exodus following the 5-7 season, with multiple key players entering the portal for the 2025 season.
Notable Departures:
- • Walker White (QB) - to Baylor
- • Terrance Love (S) - to Colorado
- • Antonio Kite (S) - to Ole Miss
- • Caleb Wooden (DB) - to Arkansas
Other Key Transfers:
- • Tyler Scott (CB) - to Georgia State
- • Gage Keys (DL) - to Kansas
- • TJ Lindsey (DL) - to Purdue
Key Returners for 2025
Alabama Key Returners
Defensive Leadership
- • Deontae Lawson (LB) - Key defensive returner
- • Tim Keenan III (DL) - Veteran presence
Offensive Core
- • Jalen Milroe (QB) - Expected to return
- • Key skill position players
- • Offensive line development
Auburn Rebuilding Challenge
Major Rebuilding Needed
- • Significant roster turnover
- • Quarterback position uncertainty
- • Leadership void to fill
2025 Priorities
- • Portal additions crucial
- • Recruiting class impact
- • Coaching staff continuity
Looking Ahead to 2025
2025 Iron Bowl Outlook
The Rivalry Continues
Alabama's Position
- • Defending Iron Bowl champions
- • DeBoer system maturation
- • Strong recruiting class
- • Favorable momentum
Auburn's Challenge
- • Breaking the Alabama streak
- • Rebuilding after portal losses
- • Hugh Freeze's critical year
- • Proving program stability
The 2025 Iron Bowl will be a crucial matchup for both programs, with Alabama looking to maintain dominance and Auburn seeking to reclaim competitiveness in the state's most important rivalry.
Season Summary
The 2024 season perfectly captured the current state of the Iron Bowl rivalry. Alabama, under new leadership, maintained their winning tradition with a solid 9-4 campaign and Iron Bowl victory. The transition from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer proved smoother than expected.
Meanwhile, Auburn continues to search for answers in the Hugh Freeze era. The 5-7 season and subsequent roster turnover through the transfer portal highlight the challenges facing the program. However, college football's rapid changes mean Auburn could rebound quickly with the right adjustments.
As both programs look toward 2025, the Iron Bowl remains the ultimate measuring stick for success. For Alabama, it's about maintaining dominance. For Auburn, it's about reclaiming competitiveness. The 2024 season set the stage for another compelling chapter in college football's greatest rivalry.