The Alabama Crimson Tide’s omission from the 12-team College Football Playoff has sparked a flurry of reactions, with several players reportedly planning to leave the program. This development comes after the Tide finished the season with a 9-3 record, a significant disappointment compared to the team’s usual high standards.
The College Football Playoff committee’s decision to leave Alabama out of the playoff field in favor of SMU has been met with widespread criticism, with many arguing that the Tide’s strength of schedule and overall resume were more impressive than those of the Mustangs. Alabama’s athletic director, Greg Byrne, expressed his disappointment with the committee’s decision, stating that the team’s strength of schedule “wasn’t rewarded”.
In the wake of the playoff snub, several Alabama players have taken to social media to express their frustration and disappointment. Wide receiver Malachi Moore tweeted a simple “Man” in response to the news, while defensive back Jihaad Campbell posted a screenshot of a message that read, “If you’re not of the mindset going into this thing, of anyone, anywhere, anytime, then you’re just there to have a cup of coffee anyway”.
The news of Alabama players planning to leave the program is not entirely surprising, given the team’s disappointing season and the intense scrutiny that comes with playing for one of the most storied programs in college football. Several players, including defensive lineman Hunter Osborne, tight end Danny Lewis Jr., and wide receiver Caleb Odom, have already announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal.
Osborne, a redshirt freshman, played in five games this season and will have three years of eligibility remaining at his next destination. Lewis Jr., a redshirt sophomore, appeared in 31 games over three seasons with the Crimson Tide and will have two years of eligibility remaining. Odom, a freshman, played in all 12 games this season and will have three years of eligibility remaining.
The departures of these players, combined with the impending losses of several key contributors to graduation, will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Alabama program. As the team looks to regroup and rebuild for the 2025 season, head coach Kalen DeBoer will face intense pressure to deliver better results and restore the program to its usual level of excellence.
DeBoer, who replaced the legendary Nick Saban as head coach prior to the 2024 season, has faced criticism for his team’s performance this year. Many have questioned his ability to lead the program, and the playoff snub has only added fuel to the fire.
As the Alabama program navigates this tumultuous period, one thing is clear: the team’s omission from the College Football Playoff has sparked a chain reaction of events that will have far-reaching consequences for the program. With several players planning to leave and intense pressure on DeBoer to deliver better results, the Crimson Tide will face a daunting task in rebuilding and restoring their program to its former glory.
