The Nick Saban Effect?
While the college football world has always kept a watchful eye on Tuscaloosa, news that head coach Nick Saban has retired catapults the program into a rare territory—rumors and “what’s next?” and how the departure will impact the football team, a microscopic-breakdown surge that has been unseen for some 17-plus years.
It goes without saying that Alabama football is still Alabama football, a top-tier program that includes state-of-the-art facilities and serves as a stepping stone for many to the NFL draft.
But Saban is Saban, a coach who has dominated college football for so long that saying his last name makes many think of… “Alabama football.”
How will that shake up an already crammed transfer portal and the incoming 2024 class? That will be as unknown as topical in the coming days, weeks, and beyond.
When looking at the USA TODAY HSS composite rankings, six of the top 100 recruits have committed to the Crimson Tide.
Update: Within a matter of minutes of this being published, Ryan Williams — Saraland (Ala.), No. 11 overall—had decommitted from Alabama.
1. Julian Sayin — Carlsbad (Carlsbad, Calif.)
(Graphics: Evan Russell, USA TODAY)
Composite Ranking: No. 6 overall
2. Jaylen Mbakwe — Clay-Chalkville (Pinson, Ala.)
(Graphics: Evan Russell, USA TODAY)
Composite Ranking: No. 21 overall
3. Caleb Odom — Carrollton (Ga.)
(Graphics: Evan Russell, USA TODAY)
Composite Ranking: No. 57 overall
4. Zabien Brown — Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
(Graphics: Evan Russell, USA TODAY)
Composite Ranking: No. 61 overall
5. Zavier Mincey — Mainland (Daytona Beach, Fla.)
(Graphics: Evan Russell, USA TODAY)
Composite Ranking: No. 74 overall
6. Jeremiah Beaman — Parker (Birmingham, Ala.)
(Graphics: Evan Russell, USA TODAY)
Composite Ranking: No. 85 overall
