Alabama's Josh Cuevas Reflects on Senior Bowl, Playing for DeBoer

Tight end among 3 Crimson Tide players in Mobile this week

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:31am

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Josh Cuevas, a tight end who played two years at Alabama and three years for Kalen DeBoer, is among three former Crimson Tide players participating in the Panini Senior Bowl in Mobile this week. Cuevas discussed DeBoer's coaching style, his increased production at Alabama, and the Tide's 2025 season that ended with a loss in the Rose Bowl.

Why it matters

Cuevas' perspective on playing for DeBoer provides insight into the Alabama coach's approach, while his reflections on the Crimson Tide's 2025 campaign and his own development offer a window into the program's transition after Nick Saban's departure.

The details

Cuevas began his college career at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo before transferring to Washington in 2023 and then following DeBoer to Alabama the following season. He said DeBoer has a calm demeanor that can sometimes be mistaken for a lack of intensity, but the coach is direct in his feedback. Cuevas saw his production increase each season at the FBS level, catching 37 passes for 411 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games for Alabama in 2025 despite missing three games due to injury.

  • Cuevas is participating in the Panini Senior Bowl this week in Mobile, Alabama.
  • The Senior Bowl game is set for 1:30 p.m. Central on Saturday, January 27, 2026 at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

The players

Josh Cuevas

A tight end who played two years at Alabama and three years for Kalen DeBoer.

Kalen DeBoer

The head football coach at the University of Alabama.

Ty Simpson

The quarterback at the University of Alabama who entered the 2026 NFL draft.

Fernando Mendoza

The head football coach at Indiana University, which defeated Alabama in the 2025 Rose Bowl.

Tim Keenan

A defensive lineman and former Alabama player participating in the Senior Bowl.

LT Overton

A defensive lineman and former Alabama player participating in the Senior Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“When we're not out practicing, just around the facility, he's very calm, he's very collected. He's not going to just yell at you out of the blue. He's going to sit you down and he'll talk to you. Face to face on what you need to work on. And he's not going to beat around the bush about it.”

— Josh Cuevas, Tight end

“There's no doubt that he was battling some injury from the middle of the season all the way to the end. But he's just a strong leader amongst the group, and he was a guy to make you better on the field or off the field.”

— Josh Cuevas, Tight end

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Cuevas' reflections on his time at Alabama under DeBoer provide a unique perspective on the coach's approach, while his increased production and the Tide's 2025 season show the program's progress in the post-Saban era, even if it fell short of a national championship.