Paul Finebaum Reveals What Might Cost Alabama a National Championship

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide has entered a new era under head coach Kalen DeBoer, who takes over from the legendary Nick Saban.

During his tenure, Saban led the team to six national championships. DeBoer now aims to continue that tradition of excellence. However, Year 1 did not go as planned, as Alabama finished with a record of 9-4, marking the highest number of losses for the Crimson Tide since Saban's first year in 2007.

The departure of a coach like Saban has significant repercussions. Not only is there a loss of his leadership in the locker room and his experience in high-stakes games, but the transition also coincided with a notable number of players entering the transfer portal.

Notably, ESPN's Paul Finebaum highlighted on "The Paul Finebaum Show" that two of these players could pose a significant obstacle for Alabama in their pursuit of a national championship in the near future.

"I'm not going to say anything negative about Julian Sayin," Finebaum said. "I happen to think it was one of the biggest gut punches to Alabama, along with Caleb Downs, I've ever seen. Some day we'll look back on those two leaving Alabama, and I think it very well could cost them a national championship."

Sayin is a former five-star recruit competing for the quarterback position to potentially succeed Will Howard, who led the Buckeyes to the national championship this past season. He is competing against redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz.

On the other hand, Downs has been one of the standout players in college football since he first stepped onto the field in 2023. In his career, he has recorded 189 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and four interceptions. He has also been a crucial player in the Buckeyes’ top-ranked defense from last season and was named an All-American.

Both players transferred to Ohio State after Saban announced his retirement. Downs made the transfer after playing a season at Alabama, while Sayin had not yet begun his college career when he transferred.

The Buckeyes are determined to silence their critics when they take on Texas at noon ET on Aug. 30 in Columbus, Ohio.

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

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