By Josh 
The Alabama Crimson Tide’s tumultuous 2024 season has left fans yearning for the program’s former dominance. Excluded from the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, Alabama now faces a critical juncture in its storied history under the leadership of head coach Kalen DeBoer.
2024 Season Recap
- Playoff Snub: Alabama was edged out by SMU for a playoff spot, a decision that stung even more after SMU and Indiana suffered lopsided losses in the first round.
- ReliaQuest Bowl Matchup: The Crimson Tide will meet the 7–5 Michigan Wolverines on Dec. 31 in a rematch of last season’s Rose Bowl semifinal, which Michigan won in overtime. While Alabama enters as a 12.5-point favorite, the game falls far short of expectations for a team accustomed to contending for championships.
Transfer Portal Shake-Up
The Tide’s offseason has been heavily influenced by the NIL era and the growing influence of the transfer portal.
Incoming Talent
- Kelby Collins (LB, Florida)
- Cam Calhoun (CB, Utah)
- Isaiah Horton (WR, Miami): A 6’4″ former four-star recruit considering Alabama, Horton could provide much-needed depth and playmaking ability at wide receiver.
Departures
A staggering 14 players have left Alabama through the transfer portal, including:
- RB Justice Haynes
- OL Miles McVay
- WRs Kendrick Law, Kobe Prentice, Emmanuel Henderson, Caleb Odom
The exodus highlights the challenges of maintaining roster stability in the NIL era.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Key Challenges
- Quarterback Uncertainty: With Jalen Milroe potentially heading to the NFL, Alabama may face a critical void at the quarterback position.
- Transfer Portal Impact: While incoming transfers offer promise, the volume of departures raises questions about the team’s depth and cohesion.
Opportunities
- The NIL era’s volatility means power dynamics can shift rapidly, providing Alabama a chance to rebuild its roster and return to contention.
- DeBoer has an opportunity to solidify his standing with fans and the university by adapting to the modern landscape and re-establishing the Tide’s dominance.
Outlook
The Crimson Tide’s path back to championship contention will depend heavily on navigating NIL-driven roster changes and securing top-tier quarterback play. While their 2024 season fell short of expectations, Alabama’s resilience and storied history suggest they won’t stay down for long.