Projecting Who's Staying and Who's Leaving from Alabama After Bowl Game
After landing a controversial invite to the College Football Playoff, Alabama bowed out immediately with a 27-20 overtime loss to top-ranked Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
The dynasty is reeling. Yet it might not be close to finished.
Since the CFP expands to 12 qualifiers in 2024, the Crimson Tide are even better positioned for a championship run. Besides, as long as Nick Saban is running the show in Tuscaloosa, the program will be feared—or at least immensely respected.
The following sections—who's staying, leaving and on the way—are a mix of projections and reported/confirmed plans.
Who's Staying
Jalen Milroe, the Preseason Heisman Favorite (Maybe)
In fairness, Oklahoma-to-Oregon transfer Dillon Gabriel may ultimately open 2024 as the betting favorite. The point is simple, though: Jalen Milroe will be a very strong candidate. After a brutal September, the dual-threat QB became a strong performer in 2023. Milroe ended the regular season with 10.4 yards per pass attempt, throwing for 2,718 yards and only six interceptions with 35 total touchdowns.
Most of the Offensive Line
Although right tackle J.C. Latham is probably headed to the NFL—more on him shortly—the rest of Bama's blocking unit should be back. Left tackle Kadyn Proctor and left guard Tyler Booker aren't yet eligible for the pros, while center Seth McLaughlin and right guard Jaeden Roberts would seemingly most benefit from returning.
The Freshman All-American Safety
Caleb Downs made his 100th tackle of the season in the Rose Bowl, hitting a nice milestone in a stellar freshman year. Alabama fans expected great things from the 5-star safety at some point, but he impressed right away. Downs landed second-team AP All-America recognition.
Who's Leaving
The NFL-Bound Crew, Part I
You may struggle to believe this, but Alabama should have a bunch of NFL draft picks. Shocking, I know. Right tackle J.C. Latham should be a first-round selection, and wideout Jermaine Burton is a Day 2 candidate. Running back Jase McClellan is a likely Day 3 option.
The NFL-Bound Crew, Part II
That was the offense. Take a breath for the defense. Edge-rusher Dallas Turner and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry are expected first-rounders, while corner Terrion Arnold and versatile safety Malachi Moore have that upside. Several more defenders, including edge-rusher Chris Braswell and lineman Justin Eboigbe, should be drafted.
Outgoing Transfers
In all likelihood, Alabama will have several late entries to the transfer portal. Teams in the CFP understandably tend to avoid a rapid run of departures in December. So far, transfers of note are former top receiver Ja'Corey Brooks and backup quarterback Tyler Buchner.
Who's on the Way
Domani Jackson and Texas A&M Transfers
Considered the fifth-best prospect of the 2022 cycle, Domani Jackson initially stayed home at USC. However, the talented corner is set to join Bama alongside a pair of Texas A&M departures in offensive lineman Naquil Bertrand and D-lineman LT Overton.
Julian Sayin, the Latest 5-Star QB
During the last decade, Alabama has landed 5-star quarterbacks Blake Barnett (2015), Tua Tagovailoa (2017), Bryce Young (2020), Ty Simpson (2022) and now Julian Sayin. Before his senior year, Sayin won MVP honors of the prestigious Elite 11 competition.
Another Star-Studded Recruiting Class
The other 5-stars in the 2024 recruiting haul are wideout Ryan Williams—who is set to sign in February—and cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe. They are ranked 12th and 18th in the class, respectively. Alabama also picked up 17 more 4-stars, including a fourth top-50 talent in tight end Caleb Odom. It's possible the Tide still add another player or two, as well.