It’s been a popular talking point to say that Alabama lost some key pieces after Coach Nick Saban’s retirement. Safety Caleb Downs and wide receiver Isaiah Bond are among the impact players that could’ve been stars for the Tide in 2024 but chose to exit the program.
These losses are a big reason why there is some uncertainty and doubt surrounding the Crimson Tide. In fact, Alabama will enter the season ranked no. 5 nationally and is projected to finish third in the SEC. While these are still lofty expectations by the standards of any other program, it’s the lowest preseason ranking for Alabama since 2009, or before Nick Saban had a single championship in Tuscaloosa.
The Alabama team and fan base have long since moved on from these departures. To die-hard Bama fans, the actions of those that chose to stay after the retirement of the greatest coach of all time speak a lot louder.
Among them include team leaders such as quarterback Jalen Milroe, guard Tyler Booker, linebacker Deontae Lawson, and safety Malachi Moore. These players are not only talented on the field, but they form the foundation of what should be one of the strongest cultures in the sport in 2024.
These four work hard every single day, leading their peers and preaching positive affirmations. By all accounts, they never even considered leaving, even when the program was in flux and its future was unknown. Though Bama was without a coach for less than two days before announcing the hiring of Kalen DeBoer, it felt more like two months. In that time, Milroe, Booker, Lawson, and Moore held the core of the team together while others defected or pondered the situation from more self-centered perspectives.
Now, after a full offseason of forging bonds with a new-look Crimson Tide roster and staff, they are preparing to lead the team into the 2024 season. The leadership on this Bama team goes far beyond this quartet. Several more veteran standouts not only stayed in Tuscaloosa, but vocally stood on their principles of loyalty. Defensive linemen Tim Smith and Tim Keenan III, offensive guard Jaeden Roberts, and linebacker Jihaad Campbell also provide leadership and further strengthen the foundation of the 2024 team.
Getting past the Saban retirement and all of the defections that followed made this team very strong and gave it a unique bond. The laid back but winning mentality of Coach DeBoer and the youthful energy of his new staff served to reinvigorate the program.
Only time will tell if this group can deliver a national championship, but Alabama will have its strongest team culture since the 2020 squad united in the face of adversity and earned a ring.