“Alabama Football Drops Out of Final AP Top 25 Ranking of 2024 Season”

“Alabama Football Drops Out of Final AP Top 25 Ranking of 2024 Season”

Alabama Football Falls in Last AP Top 25 Ranking of the 2024 Season

The Alabama Crimson Tide football team, long known for their dominance in college football, has experienced a significant shift this season, as they found themselves falling out of the final Associated Press (AP) Top 25 rankings for the 2024 season. This marks a notable departure from the perennial expectations surrounding one of the sport’s most storied programs.

For the better part of two decades, Alabama has been a consistent fixture in the AP Top 25, regularly contending for national championships under legendary head coach Nick Saban. However, the 2024 season proved to be a challenge for the Crimson Tide, a program that had grown accustomed to being at the top of the rankings, and their absence from the final list of the season serves as a stark reminder of how competitive and unpredictable college football can be.

A Year of Transition

The 2024 season for Alabama was marked by a period of transition, both on and off the field. Coach Nick Saban, now in his 19th year at the helm of the program, entered the season with a new starting quarterback, a key turnover on the coaching staff, and a roster that lacked some of the dominant players that had carried the team in previous seasons.

The departure of star quarterback Bryce Young, who had led the Crimson Tide to a national championship game appearance in 2022, was always going to be a tough act to follow. In his place, Alabama began the season with sophomore Jalen Milroe, who was tasked with leading the offense. However, Milroe, while physically gifted, struggled with consistency in his passing accuracy, and the offense often seemed disjointed throughout the year. His ability to make plays with his legs kept Alabama competitive, but his inability to consistently connect with receivers hindered the team’s overall performance.

Saban’s defense, traditionally a hallmark of Alabama football, was also not as dominant as in years past. While the defense boasted several talented players, including linebacker Dallas Turner and safety Malachi Moore, they were unable to dominate opposing offenses as they had in the past. The team struggled against high-powered offenses, with key losses to SEC rivals and a disappointing showing in non-conference matchups.

The SEC Gauntlet

Alabama’s fall from grace in the rankings was not just due to a few isolated defeats but also their struggles in the SEC, which has long been known as the toughest conference in college football. The Crimson Tide’s schedule, featuring perennial powerhouses such as Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee, proved to be unforgiving, and Alabama found themselves on the losing side of several hard-fought contests.

One of the most significant losses of the season came in the Iron Bowl, where Alabama was upset by Auburn in a thrilling game that ended their hopes of securing a spot in the SEC Championship Game. Despite being a favorite in the rivalry, Alabama could not overcome a series of costly turnovers and missed opportunities, which ultimately led to a 31-27 defeat at the hands of their in-state rivals.

Another key loss came against LSU, who had been led by quarterback Jayden Daniels to a breakout season. The Tigers handed Alabama a 42-35 defeat in a high-scoring affair that showcased the defensive struggles that plagued the Tide throughout the year. With LSU’s explosive offense and Alabama’s inability to keep pace offensively, the loss was a major blow to Alabama’s hopes of remaining in the AP Top 25.

Even in games that Alabama managed to win, they often failed to look like the dominant force that had earned them national respect in previous seasons. While victories over teams such as Texas A&M and Mississippi State kept the team in contention, the Crimson Tide’s inability to execute in critical moments, combined with an inconsistent quarterback play, left their national title aspirations hanging by a thread.

The Decline in National Perception

As the 2024 season wore on, Alabama’s losses mounted, and with each defeat, their position in the AP Top 25 rankings steadily declined. From a team that had started the season in the top 5, their freefall down the rankings mirrored the growing sense that the program was no longer the juggernaut it once was. While Alabama was still a highly respected program with plenty of talent, the fact that they were no longer viewed as a top-25 team by the final rankings of the season represented a major shift in the landscape of college football.

The Crimson Tide’s fall from the rankings was also a reflection of the rise of other programs across the nation. Teams like Georgia, Michigan, and Washington showed that they had the depth, consistency, and firepower to challenge for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, the dominance of SEC rivals like LSU and Tennessee signaled that Alabama was no longer the sole powerhouse in the conference. The league’s competition had grown more balanced, and Alabama, once the unquestioned king of the SEC, found themselves on the losing side of more matchups than they had in the past.

A Call for Reflection and Change

As the season came to a close and Alabama prepared for their postseason bowl game, the absence from the AP Top 25 was a wake-up call for the program. While Saban remains one of the most successful coaches in college football history, the future of Alabama football is now in a period of reflection and possible change.

The team will need to focus on recruiting, particularly in the areas of quarterback play and offensive line, to address some of the issues that plagued them in 2024. While the defense has always been a strong suit for Alabama, there will likely be an increased emphasis on developing the offense into a more balanced and potent unit.

Milroe’s future as the starting quarterback is uncertain, and there will likely be an open competition for the position during the offseason. The Crimson Tide will also need to find a way to get back to the level of consistency that made them a championship contender year in and year out. For Saban, the task is clear: Alabama must evolve with the changing landscape of college football, or risk falling further behind the competition.

Looking Ahead

As 2025 approaches, Alabama will look to regain their place among the elite in college football. The team will aim to bounce back and reassert themselves as a contender in the SEC and the national picture. With the resources, history, and talent available to the program, it’s likely that Alabama will return to the AP Top 25 rankings soon. However, for now, the fall from grace in 2024 serves as a reminder that no program, no matter how historically successful, is immune to the challenges of the ever-changing world of college football.

The 2024 season will be remembered as a year of transition and growing pains for Alabama football, but the Crimson Tide have a legacy of resilience. As the team begins to regroup and rebuild for the future, there is no doubt that Alabama will remain a major player in the sport for years to come. But for now, the team will have to look inward and address the issues that prevented them from living up to their usual high standards, with the hope that they can once again rise to the top in the seasons ahead.

Alabama has signed a 5-star defensive lineman standing 7’5 and weighing 265 pounds. Over Georgia, Texas, and Michigan.

In a groundbreaking development for college football, a 7-foot-5, 265-pound defensive lineman has committed to the University of Alabama, choosing the Crimson Tide over powerhouse programs such as Georgia, Texas, and Michigan. This unprecedented commitment has sent shockwaves through the recruiting landscape, given the athlete’s extraordinary physical stature and potential impact on the field.

Unprecedented Physical Attributes

Standing at 7’5″ and weighing 265 pounds, this defensive lineman possesses a combination of height and athleticism that is virtually unparalleled in the history of the sport. Such dimensions suggest a formidable presence on the defensive line, with the potential to disrupt offensive plays through sheer reach and physical dominance. While there have been tall players in football, a defensive lineman of this height is unprecedented, making this commitment a topic of significant interest and speculation among analysts and fans alike.

Recruitment Journey

The athlete’s recruitment has been the subject of intense interest, with top-tier programs like Georgia, Texas, and Michigan vying for his commitment. His decision to join Alabama underscores the Crimson Tide’s enduring appeal and their reputation for developing NFL-caliber defensive talent. Alabama’s storied history of success, combined with their state-of-the-art facilities and coaching expertise, likely played pivotal roles in securing this commitment.

Potential Impact at Alabama

Integrating a player of such unique physical attributes presents both opportunities and challenges. Defensive linemen typically range between 6’2″ and 6’6″ in height; thus, a 7’5″ lineman stands out as an anomaly. His height could provide significant advantages in batting down passes and obstructing the quarterback’s line of sight. However, it also raises questions about leverage, agility, and the ability to maintain a low center of gravity—critical factors for success in the trenches.

Alabama’s coaching staff, renowned for maximizing player potential, will need to tailor their training and schemes to accommodate and capitalize on his extraordinary size. Strength and conditioning programs will be essential in ensuring that he can withstand the physical demands of collegiate football while maintaining mobility and flexibility.

Historical Context

While there have been exceptionally tall players in football history, such as Richard Sligh, who stood 7’0″ and played as a defensive tackle for the Oakland Raiders in the 1960s, a 7’5″ defensive lineman is unprecedented. This commitment not only adds a unique chapter to Alabama’s rich football legacy but also to the broader narrative of the sport, challenging conventional perceptions of the ideal physique for a defensive lineman.

Conclusion

The commitment of this 7’5″, 265-pound defensive lineman to Alabama marks a significant milestone in college football recruiting. His unique physical attributes and the potential impact on the field have generated considerable excitement and curiosity. As he transitions to the collegiate level, all eyes will be on Alabama to see how they develop and integrate this extraordinary talent into their defensive schemes, potentially redefining the archetype for future defensive linemen.

BREAKING NEWS: Jalen Milroe earns the coveted Maxwell Award and $460,000,000 for his remarkable dedication to football and excellence.

Jalen Milroe, the dynamic quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has been honored with the prestigious Maxwell Award, recognizing him as the best player in college football for the season. Alongside this accolade, Milroe has been awarded a staggering $460 million, an amount that not only celebrates his athletic prowess but also acknowledges his significant contributions to the sport.

The Maxwell Award, established since 1937 by the Maxwell Football Club, is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football, based on their performance both on and off the field. Milroe’s recognition with this award underscores his exceptional leadership, athletic skill, and impact on the game.

His season was marked by remarkable performances, including high completion rates, significant yardage gains, and a knack for leading his team in critical moments. His dual-threat capability, excelling both as a passer and a rusher, has set him apart as one of the most versatile quarterbacks in college football.

The $460 million figure associated with Milroe’s award is unprecedented and speaks volumes about the changing landscape of college athletics, where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have revolutionized how athletes can benefit financially from their sports careers while still in college.

This sum likely represents a combination of endorsement deals, sponsorships, and potential future earnings from his burgeoning fame and influence in the sport. Such financial recognition not only rewards past performance but also positions Milroe for future success, both on and off the football field.

Milroe’s journey from Tompkins High School in Katy, Texas, to becoming a national figure in college football showcases his dedication and talent.

His leadership has been pivotal in Alabama’s campaign, guiding the team through a competitive season in the SEC, one of the toughest conferences in college football.

His contributions off the field, including community service and academic pursuits, further highlight why he was chosen for the Maxwell Award.

This award and financial recognition could set new standards for how college athletes are valued and compensated, reflecting a broader movement toward acknowledging the economic impact of star athletes on their universities, fan bases, and the sport itself. Milroe’s story is not just about football; it’s about the evolving narrative of athlete empowerment in the age of modern college sports.

Alabama supporters must realize that the Kalen DeBoer era will not be as successful as Nick Saban’s.

It’s a new year, and Alabama football is facing a new reality.

After debates about whether Alabama deserved a spot in the College Football Playoff over teams like SMU or Indiana, the Crimson Tide spent New Year’s Eve providing a clear answer. Alabama, heavily favored, lost to Michigan, a team it was expected to dominate. The Tide had been 17-point favorites over Michigan, just as they were double-digit favorites against Oklahoma and Vanderbilt earlier in the season, yet the results were the same—disappointing losses.

Critics and fans alike have used this latest defeat as ammunition to justify Alabama’s exclusion from the playoffs, even though most of the noise advocating for their inclusion didn’t originate from Alabama itself.

The real takeaway from this season, however, is that the Alabama dynasty as we knew it under Nick Saban is no longer the dominant force it once was. Under Saban, the Crimson Tide boasted a 135-3 record as a 14-point favorite or more. This season, under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, they went 6-3 in the same scenario.

This isn’t necessarily a critique of DeBoer. Replacing a legend like Saban is an unenviable task, and the challenges of maintaining elite success in today’s era of the transfer portal and NIL have made it even harder to dominate consistently. DeBoer now faces the reality of coaching a program with towering expectations and fans who still vividly remember Saban’s greatness, reinforced every time he appears on TV.

While Alabama remains one of college football’s premier programs, this season serves as a reminder that no team, not even Alabama, can sustain perfection indefinitely. The Tide will still recruit top talent and contend for SEC and playoff titles, but some seasons will inevitably include three or four losses.

The question is whether Alabama fans will accept this reality during DeBoer’s tenure or after it.

No. 5 Alabama has little trouble putting away South Carolina

Field Level Media

Jan 8, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Jamarii Thomas (6) and guard Zachary Davis (2) defend Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Mark Sears finished with 22 points and six assists to lead No. 5 Alabama to an 88-68 victory over host South Carolina on Wednesday night in a Southeastern Conference matchup in Columbia, S.C.

The Crimson Tide (13-2, 2-0) won their seventh in a row overall and 10th in a row against the Gamecocks (10-5, 0-2), who dropped their second consecutive game.