The Nick Saban Effect?
While the college football world has always kept a watchful eye on Tuscaloosa, news that head coach Nick Saban has retired catapults the program into a rare territory—rumors and “what’s next?” and how the departure will impact the football team, a microscopic-breakdown surge that has been unseen for some 17-plus years.
It goes without saying that Alabama football is still Alabama football, a top-tier program that includes state-of-the-art facilities and serves as a stepping stone for many to the NFL draft.
But Saban is Saban, a coach who has dominated college football for so long that saying his last name makes many think of… “Alabama football.”
When looking at the USA TODAY HSS composite rankings, five of the top 100 recruits have committed to the Crimson Tide, with the team’s top QB, Julian Sayin (No. 6 overall), recently announcing he is entering the transfer portal.
He joins Ryan Williams — Saraland (Ala.), No. 11 overall—as the top 2024 recruits who have split from Alabama.
1. Jaylen Mbakwe — Clay-Chalkville (Pinson, Ala.)
Composite Ranking: No. 21 overall
2. Caleb Odom — Carrollton (Ga.)
Composite Ranking: No. 57 overall
3. Zabien Brown — Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Composite Ranking: No. 61 overall
4. Zavier Mincey — Mainland (Daytona Beach, Fla.)
Composite Ranking: No. 74 overall
5. Jeremiah Beaman — Parker (Birmingham, Ala.)
Composite Ranking: No. 85 overall
