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Paul Finebaum Names Historic SEC Program With a Lot of Optimism After Disappointing 2024 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 10:00 PM ET

The 2024 college football season brought significant changes to the sport. It was the first year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, the first year for several prominent programs in new conferences, and notably, it marked the first time in 17 years that Nick Saban was not coaching the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The legendary head coach announced his retirement after the 2023 season. He was succeeded by former Washington Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer, who had just led the Huskies to the national championship game.

In his first year, the Crimson Tide finished with a record of 9-4, marking their worst performance since 2007. Alabama suffered defeats against three teams that ended the season with five or more losses. This included a bowl game loss to the Michigan Wolverines, where the Crimson Tide fell short 19-13.

During "The Paul Finebaum Show," the SEC Network analyst expressed newfound optimism for Alabama, a stark contrast to the uncertainty that surrounded the program just a few months prior.

"One thing that is there is expectations," Finebaum said. "I know that shouldn't be a surprise with anyone at Alabama, but walking out of that bowl game on January 1st, there was not a lot of optimism or really interest in the program. That's changed."

Finebaum has previously stated that he believes the Crimson Tide will make it to the College Football Playoff in 2025. He attributed their absence from the playoffs last year to prospective offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb's decision to accept a job with the Seattle Seahawks instead of remaining in Tuscaloosa.

Grubbs initially decided to follow DeBoer to Alabama but later changed his mind, opting instead for the offensive coordinator position with the Seahawks. This led to Nick Sheridan being appointed as the new offensive coordinator.

The last college quarterback to work with Grubbs as his offensive coordinator was Michael Penix Jr., who became a Heisman Trophy finalist and was drafted in the first round of the NFL draft.

This season, Ty Simpson is expected to be the starting quarterback. Simpson, a former five-star prospect, will be competing with Austin Mack, who initially committed to Grubbs and DeBoer at Washington before following DeBoer to Alabama, as well as with true freshman Keelon Russell.

The challenge for these players is their inexperience. Simpson has thrown only 50 passes in his career, totaling 381 yards. Mack has attempted just three passes, while Russell has yet to attempt a pass.

The Crimson Tide will kick off the season on the road against the Florida State Seminoles at 3:30 p.m. ET Aug. 20 on ABC.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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