What’s next for Alabama Football?

Alabama football finished the 2022 season with an 11-2 record, closing with a dominant win over Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl. This team might’ve taken too long to peak, but it’s never a bad thing to end the year on a high note.

As the offseason gets underway, there are several changes and decisions that will take place over the coming days, weeks, and months. These changes will slowly shape the roster and culture of the 2023 Alabama Football team.

Alabama Football NFL Draft Decisions

First, Alabama is awaiting several decisions from its current players regarding the NFL Draft. At least nine seniors have already announced their intention to pursue the draft by accepting invites to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Those players are tight end Cameron Latu, offensive linemen Tyler Steen and Emil Ekiyor Jr., defensive linemen Byron Young and DJ Dale, linebacker Henry To’o To’o, safeties Jordan Battle and DeMarcco Hellams, and kicker Will Reichard.

Collectively, this is already a lot of production departing from the Alabama football program. Still, there are several draft-eligible upperclassmen that have yet to make decisions. Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr. have not made official announcements, but it can be assumed that both will enter the draft and be among the first names called.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, wide receiver Tyler Harrell, defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe, and defensive backs Eli Ricks and Brian Branch have the most intriguing decisions to make.

In my opinion, Ricks and Branch are by far the most important to the 2023 team. Branch in particular is a sure-fire first round pick, and Alabama fans should assume for now that both players are leaving.

Next season, the Alabama secondary should be revamped and infused with young incoming talent, led by 2023 5-star safety Caleb Downs. Kool-Aid McKinstry should return for his junior year as a true lockdown corner, and Malachi Moore returns as a versatile piece with lots of experience.

As a whole, this secondary will be a young and inexperienced group that would need some time to mesh. While the defensive back room is loaded with talent regardless, there will be several question marks if Bama has to replace four starters.

The hypothetical returns of Brian Branch and Eli Ricks would instantly transform the unit into a known commodity, and perhaps the nation’s best secondary. Even just one of the pair coming back (most likely Ricks) would make a major difference.

Alabama Football: Staff changes & portal drama

Coaching changes are also on the horizon for Alabama football. Bama will seek a new safeties coach after the departure of Charles Kelly. Many Crimson Tide fans would also like to see Nick Saban cut ties with both coordinators, though it is looking increasingly likely that defensive coordinator Pete Golding will return once again.

Any impending coaching changes will, of course, make an impact both on the field and on the recruiting trail.

Lastly, the Alabama football transfer portal saga is far from over. Bama nation can expect another wave of outgoing transfers now that the 2022 season is officially over, and one more after spring practice concludes. Just as there will be more portal exits, Alabama will likely also accept a couple more transfers. It has already landed Maryland tight end CJ Dippre, and could use the portal to shore up other potential needs on the roster.

It will probably be several weeks before we have a clear picture of the 2023 roster and coaching staff for Alabama football. Announcements will begin to come out soon, and Bama Hammer will continue to bring updates as they occur.