Alabama fans were visibly dejected and frustrated after the Crimson Tide’s heavy Rose Bowl loss, expressing disappointment that the team fell short of expectations and lamenting that a program accustomed to national championship contention had such a lopsided defeat, with many saying this has increased pressure on head coach Kalen DeBoer and sparked speculation about his job security if results don’t improve; while some supporters still back the coach and the team’s overall spirit, the blowout loss has provoked wide criticism, intense reactions on social media, and debate over the direction of the program.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Sports Illustrated’s 2025 Sportsperson of the Year, honoring his historic season leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a franchise-record 68 wins and the NBA championship, while also earning NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP honors — a remarkable achievement that underscored his on-court excellence and growing cultural impact. The award, one of the most prestigious in sports and given to the athlete who best represents achievement and sportsmanship, also recognized SGA’s influence beyond basketball, including community work in Oklahoma City and Canada, making him the first Canadian to win the honor outright since Wayne Gretzky.