A year can bring monumental changes in college football (CFB), and the retirement of Nick Saban has had a transformative impact on the sport. The ripple effects of his departure are still being felt in Tuscaloosa, where Alabama now finds itself facing significant challenges. Under Saban’s successor, Kalen DeBoer, the program appears to be struggling to maintain the stability and dominance it once enjoyed. Evidence from recent activity in the transfer portal suggests that Alabama’s stronghold is weakening, with several players leaving the program in search of opportunities elsewhere.
One of the most notable departures is Justice Haynes, a former 5-star running back. Haynes is reportedly leaning towards joining the Michigan Wolverines, a program also experiencing its own growing pains under new leadership. Michigan, however, appears to be gaining traction in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) landscape, which is significantly influencing recruitment. According to recruitment analysts, Michigan has a 60% chance of landing Haynes, and this development highlights a worrying trend for Alabama, which also recently lost 5-star defensive lineman Damon Payne to Michigan.
NIL deals are becoming a decisive factor in recruitment, with Michigan reportedly offering Haynes up to $500,000—higher than the offer from another suitor, South Carolina. Haynes’ current NIL valuation stands at $397,000, making Michigan’s proposal a significant increase. This newfound aggressiveness in Michigan’s recruitment strategy coincides with their recent partnership with fan-engagement platform Passes, which has helped them secure $200 million in funding. This financial boost is being distributed across varsity sports, with football being a major beneficiary.
NEW: On3’s @SWiltfong_ & @PeteNakos_ have predicted Michigan to land Alabama transfer RB Justice Haynes〽️
Intel: https://t.co/4T1zESOSRn pic.twitter.com/XjmwL1NlRp
— On3 (@On3sports) December 24, 2024
For Alabama, these developments have prompted a reevaluation of their approach to NIL. Athletic Director Greg Byrne recently issued an open letter urging the Alabama community to take action and support the program’s NIL initiatives. In his statement, Byrne acknowledged the competitive disadvantage Alabama faces and introduced “Yea Alabama,” the university’s official NIL fund-raising entity. This platform aims to provide fans with exclusive content and merchandise while generating financial support for the program.
Despite these efforts, Alabama’s challenges underscore a broader shift in the CFB recruitment landscape. The emphasis has moved from traditional recruiting practices to a system heavily influenced by NIL deals. Alabama, once seen as an untouchable powerhouse under Saban, now faces the reality of being viewed on par with its competitors. This shift is not necessarily an indictment of Kalen DeBoer but rather a reflection of the evolving dynamics in college football.
The stakes are high for Alabama as they navigate this new era. The program’s ability to adapt to the NIL-driven recruitment model will be crucial in determining whether it can reclaim its spot at the top of the college football hierarchy. Fans, now key stakeholders in the success of their programs, play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping outcomes. For Alabama, the support of the “Bama Nation” may prove critical as DeBoer and his team work to steer the program back to prominence.