Why Trent Richardson can not see Alabama ‘not making playoff’

Former Alabama running back, Trent Richardson believes the continuity of the Crimson Tide’s roster along with the addition of Ryan Grubb will pay dividends in 2025 as Alabama gears up for a run at the College Football Playoff.

This belief stems from the growing level of stability carried over from Kalen DeBoer’s inaugural season at the Tide’s head coach. Alabama did not lose a single player to the transfer portal during the spring portal window and did not take a huge hit from staff departures following the 2025 season.

Richardson is also banking his expectations on the arrival of newly hired offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who reunited with DeBoer in February following their previous success together.

“I think it’s big,” Richardson said Wednesday on “The Dynasty” podcast. “When it’s opened now that guys can transfer in spring and what not, and come back and get back in class and transfer again, or get back in the portal, it’s kind of crazy right? But for me, to have everybody coming back and to have a coach like coach Grubb that’s been around and has a great track record of calling plays, being a great offensive coordinator, and has been around the campus and has been at Washington with coach (DeBoer) I think it’s going to be big. I don’t see- I’m not saying that he’s a savior out there but I don’t see us not making it in the playoffs, I just can’t see that”.

Alabama wants to get close to returning to the playoff by kicking off the season strong against Florida State.