Explaining why Alabama is now a national championship contender

Heading to spring practice, not many had Alabama in the elite tier when it comes to national championship contenders. On3’s Jesse Simonton has since changed his tune, believing the Crimson Tide are up there with anyone despite Nick Saban‘s retirement. Kalen DeBoer weathering the storm over the past few months has changed things.

“I think Alabama, absolutely, is still a national championship contender,” Simonton said during Tuesday’s episode of The Paul Finebaum Show. “There’s some folks that want to throw some coals on Kalen DeBoer. Whether it’s because he had so much success at the NAIA level — but I like what they’ve done roster-wise in the spring.”

Not too many players left Tuscaloosa during the spring NCAA transfer portal window. James Brockermeyer (now at TCU) and Peyton Woodyard (Oregon) were likely the biggest names as they had a chance to contribute during the 2024 season.

There were multiple additions as well, with Simonton pointing out some pieces in the secondary joining Alabama. Kameron Howard, King Mack, and DaShawn Jones are all transferring in after many thought DeBoer would be lacking quality players at DB. Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold had left for the NFL Draft while Caleb Downs is now wearing an Ohio State jersey.

Simonton likes the imports for Alabama to fill the roster’s biggest need along with reports of what Jalen Milroe has the potential to be in his second season as the starting quarterback. If Milroe can elevate his game and thrive in DeBoer’s system, Alabama could find itself as one of the few teams truly competing to win a national championship.

“Originally, I had Georgia, Oregon, Texas, Ohio State, in any order, but in that tier,” Simonton said. “But in an unprecedented season, where we’re potentially going to have 17 games to win, I think they can go through that gauntlet. I now add Alabama to give it five national championship contenders in ’24.”

Alabama will not have to be perfect to win a national championship. The 12-team College Football Playoff era will allow for some slip-ups during the regular season. And with a tough schedule, the Crimson Tide may need a little leeway, especially with a new head coach.

DeBoer is a proven winner, though, dating back to his days at NAIA as Simonton mentioned. But in the College Football Playoff as well this past season with Washington. Maybe the end of Alabama’s time near the top of college football is not done quite yet.