The offseason in college football is always a period of significant change, but this past one has been particularly headline-grabbing.
With conference realignments becoming official, a tumultuous transfer portal, and a surge in NIL deals, the sport has seen a whirlwind of activity.
However, the most seismic shift came from the coaching world, as legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban abruptly announced his retirement.
Stepping into Saban’s colossal shoes is former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer who managed to retain key players on Alabama’s roster, ensuring the team remains a national title contender.
The most notable among those who stayed is quarterback Jalen Milroe, who turned heads by making a late push for the Heisman Trophy after starting the season off on a rough note.
ESPN’s Paul Finebaum is optimistic about Milroe’s future.
“I think he’s going to be great,” Finebaum said on ESPN’s Get Up. “I think he has enough ability to be a Heisman finalist and to lead Alabama to the playoffs and beyond.”
Despite Milroe’s talent, Finebaum expressed significant concerns about one critical aspect of the Crimson Tide in 2024.
“The problem I have with Alabama is not Jalen Milroe. It’s the defense,” Finebaum noted. “The secondary is very thin and that’s the key to winning big games in the end.”
Finebaum went further, suggesting that the current Alabama team lacks the overall talent to realistically win the national title this season.
“They’re a playoff team but I don’t think they’re going to win the national championship, even though Jalen Milroe is good enough to lead them,” he said.
For DeBoer, leading Alabama to a playoff appearance in his first year would be a significant achievement – albeit an expected one.
But is Alabama’s overall team – especially their defense – good enough to lead them to a national title???