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The Alabama Crimson Tide experienced a bit of a letdown on the football field in Year 1 of the Kalen DeBoer era. Despite picking up big wins over rivals Georgia and LSU, they missed out on the playoff due to inexplicable losses.
The Tide fell to both Vanderbilt and Oklahoma, each of whom finished the season at 6-6. With the team not competing for a national championship this year, it’s experienced an exodus of roster members.
The transfer portal opened up at season’s end. A number of former five-star talents have since bolted for greener pastures. Jaheim Oatis has recently committed to Colorado. Damon Payne landed at Michigan. Wideout Caleb Odom, who blasted Jalen Milroe on his way out the door, is also expected to sign with a major player.
In all, a dozen Alabama players have hit the transfer portal. Most were highly regarded as high school prospects, and they’ll receive plenty of interest in their pursuits of new destinations.
That interest, in this day and age, comes in the form of NIL. College football programs are throwing massive offers at potential additions in hopes of buying titles.
Crimson Tide athletic director Greg Byrne says enough is enough. On Wednesday, he announced that it was time for Alabama to fight back.
Alabama fans,
Over the past few years, there have been drastic changes in college athletics. We have been careful during this transitional period to protect our position at the top of college athletics while being mindful to listen, engage and learn from our generous…
— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) December 18, 2024
Greg Byrne pleaded for NIL support through the school’s collective. He accused competitors of shadily poaching his Alabama stars in the process.
Tampering is something that every program now has to deal with. It’s impossible to monitor in today’s Wild, Wild West of annual free agency.
With that being said, Byrne’s message landed criticism from everyone outside of the Alabama circle. Given the success both on the field and in recruiting throughout its run with Nick Saban, fans aren’t allowing the Tide to play the victim.
Never thought I’d see the day Alabama is complaining about NIL, tampering and the need for additional booster help to acquire talent.
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) December 18, 2024
Many things can be true at once. The current system of college football recruiting is broken. There are few regulations. The timing of the portal window causes issues. Roster management is a more difficult task than ever before.
Alabama isn’t going to receive much grace while depicting itself as the low man on the totem pole, though. They’ve been the beneficiary of recruiting success given brand recognition and on-field achievement. They’re now starting to experience what every other college football program is dealing with as they transition into a new era.