Ken Ruinard / staff, The Greenville News via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Paul Finebaum Reveals Why He Thinks Alabama Will Make the College Football Playoff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 4:00 PM ET

The 2024 college football season did not go as expected for the Alabama Crimson Tide under head coach Kalen DeBoer, who was in his first year at the helm.

DeBoer succeeded the legendary Nick Saban, who retired after nearly 20 years at Alabama following the 2023 season. Prior to this, DeBoer was the head coach of the Washington Huskies, where he led the team to the national championship game.

In his inaugural season with the Crimson Tide, DeBoer finished with a 9-4 record, marking the worst season for the program since Saban's first year in 2007. Additionally, the Crimson Tide became the first team left out of the playoffs.

During a segment on "The Paul Finebaum Show," an SEC Network analyst mentioned one key offseason addition that he believes will help propel Alabama back to success.

"I think if Alabama goes to the playoffs this year, and I think they will, the reason why they didn't go last year was Grubbs' decision to take the NFL job, instead of staying in Tuscaloosa," Finebaum said. "I think he's that important."

Grubbs initially chose to follow DeBoer to Alabama but later changed his mind, opting instead for the offensive coordinator job with the Seattle Seahawks. This resulted in Nick Sheridan being appointed as the offensive coordinator.

Finebaum has a strong positive opinion about Grubbs. He has previously shown great interest in the development of true freshman quarterback Keelon Russell. Russell is a consensus five-star prospect and was ranked as the No. 1 player in the country by Rivals.

The last college quarterback to work with Grubbs as his offensive coordinator was Michael Penix Jr., who went on to become a Heisman Trophy finalist and was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

For this season, it looks like Ty Simpson will be the starting quarterback. Simpson is a former five-star prospect and will be competing with Austin Mack, who was initially committed to Grubbs and DeBoer at Washington before following DeBoer to Alabama, as well as Russell.

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

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

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

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