How many additional defeats can the Crimson Tide tolerate? There has been a notable exodus of former highly-rated football prospects from Tuscaloosa since Kalen DeBoer assumed the helm of the Alabama Crimson Tide. This trend, while intriguing, isn’t disappointing to Auburn supporters. The question arises: At what juncture will DeBoer and his coaching team lose a critical mass of talented players, thus compromising the program’s status as a top-tier football powerhouse, at least temporarily?
The most recent departure from Bama’s roster is Tony Mitchell, a well-regarded defensive back. Hailing from Alabaster (Ala.), Mitchell was ranked #192 nationally in high school by 247 sports and garnered attention from various SEC teams and beyond. His transfer represents just a fraction of the ongoing transition since Nick Saban’s retirement triggered a wave of exits from Tuscaloosa.
The Crimson Tide face the potential losses of several key players, including safety Caleb Downs, quarterback Julian Sayin (a 2024 recruit), wide receiver Isaiah Bond, and cornerback Dezz Ricks, among others. These departures are reflected in their rankings on the On3 Transfer Portal: #1, #3, #7, and #28, respectively. Such losses pose significant challenges, both presently and in the foreseeable future. While Auburn grapples with its own roster issues, Alabama seems to be regressing.
The coming months are pivotal for both Alabama and Auburn as they vie for talent from the transfer portal. There’s a possibility that Auburn could further narrow the talent gap, particularly following significant wins in the Transfer Portal by Hugh Freeze and his team.
Is Alabama still among the elite football programs? While they likely retain a position within the top 10, it’s evident that their roster is no longer as formidable as it was under Saban’s tenure.
