A former Alabama Heisman Trophy winner evaluates the Crimson Tide’s current situation.

A Former Alabama Heisman Trophy Winner Evaluates the Crimson Tide’s Current Situation

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide football program, under the leadership of Nick Saban, has been the gold standard of college football for more than a decade. The program has experienced unparalleled success, including multiple National Championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and a legacy that is deeply ingrained in the history of the sport. As of 2025, Alabama continues to recruit at an elite level and is expected to be a national title contender. However, the program also faces new challenges as the college football landscape continues to evolve.

In this analysis, we take a unique perspective on Alabama’s current situation through the lens of a former Heisman Trophy winner who once played for the Crimson Tide. The evaluation offers a glimpse into how Alabama’s strengths and weaknesses are viewed from the inside, along with insights on the program’s present status and future outlook.

The Heisman Legacy at Alabama

The Heisman Trophy has long been a symbol of individual excellence in college football. For Alabama, the tradition of producing Heisman winners is rich, with names like Mark Ingram (2009), Derrick Henry (2015), and Bryce Young (2021) lighting up the program’s record books. These players weren’t just great individual athletes—they were central figures in Alabama’s quest for national championships.

Having won the Heisman Trophy himself, a former Alabama Heisman winner has a unique perspective on the program’s culture, its approach to developing players, and the pressures that come with being part of such a storied football program. For a player who has walked in the footsteps of greats like Ingram and Henry, the expectations are always high, and the ultimate goal is always championship glory.

Evaluating the Current Alabama Program

Quarterback Play and Offensive Development

One of the key areas that has defined Alabama’s success in recent years is its ability to produce elite quarterbacks. From Tua Tagovailoa to Mac Jones and Bryce Young, Alabama has produced several NFL-caliber quarterbacks who have thrived at the college level. However, in recent seasons, there has been some uncertainty at the quarterback position, particularly following Bryce Young’s departure to the NFL.

A former Heisman winner understands that the quarterback position is pivotal in Nick Saban’s offense. A strong, consistent quarterback is the cornerstone of Alabama’s offensive philosophy, which includes a blend of balanced playcalling that incorporates both the passing game and an effective running attack. While Alabama has always prided itself on its dominant offensive line and running back depth, the quarterback’s ability to make plays, read defenses, and elevate the performance of the team is paramount.

Alabama’s current quarterback situation has raised questions. Jalen Milroe, who showed flashes of brilliance but also had some inconsistency, was expected to take over after Bryce Young’s departure. While he possesses dynamic physical attributes, including mobility and a strong arm, his performance in high-pressure situations remains to be fully proven. For Alabama to return to its previous dominance, a Heisman-winning former player would likely agree that quarterback stability will be a key factor. Milroe’s development as a leader and decision-maker will likely determine Alabama’s success moving forward.

Offensive Line and Running Game

The offensive line and the running game have historically been the foundation of Alabama’s football program. Under Saban, Alabama has developed one of the most physical offensive lines in the country, and the ability to run the football has been a hallmark of the program’s success.

A former Heisman winner who thrived in Alabama’s run-heavy offense would recognize the importance of the Crimson Tide’s offensive line. They provide not only the protection for the quarterback but also the crucial push needed to establish a dominant running game. Over the years, players like Trey Smith and Cam Robinson have become cornerstones of the team, and the program has continued to develop elite talent in the trenches.

In the running back room, Alabama continues to be a breeding ground for NFL-caliber talent, with recent names like Najee Harris and Jahmyr Gibbs joining the ranks of former Heisman hopefuls. Despite some turnover at the position, Alabama has always had capable runners who can step up and perform at a high level. A former Heisman winner would likely have confidence in Alabama’s ability to continue this legacy of outstanding running backs, provided the offensive line plays at a high level.

Defense: Saban’s Bread and Butter

Under Nick Saban, Alabama has been known for its elite defensive units, and the Crimson Tide defense has often been the program’s calling card. The team’s ability to control the line of scrimmage, pressure the quarterback, and shut down opposing offenses has been a hallmark of Alabama football.

With several standout players on the defensive side of the ball, such as Will Anderson Jr. (now in the NFL), Dallas Turner, and Jordan Battle, Alabama’s defense continues to be strong and physical. A former Heisman-winning player would likely point to the consistency of Saban’s defensive coaching as a reason for the program’s sustained excellence.

However, the defensive side of the ball will face significant challenges in the coming years, as some key players move on to the NFL. The secondary will be particularly important to watch, as the loss of key players could impact Alabama’s ability to lock down passing attacks. Still, with Saban’s coaching acumen and his ability to develop players at every level of the defense, Alabama’s defense is expected to remain one of the nation’s top units.

A former Heisman winner who has played in Saban’s system would likely emphasize the importance of Alabama’s defensive line in maintaining pressure on the opposing quarterback, as well as linebacker play in stopping the run and defending against the pass. The Crimson Tide defense will remain a top priority, even as other programs in the SEC and across the country continue to develop offensive firepower.

Recruiting and the Transfer Portal: Alabama’s Adaptation to Change

Alabama has long been a recruiting powerhouse, routinely landing top-ranked players from across the nation. Under Nick Saban, the Tide have consistently ranked among the top teams in recruiting, and that trend shows no signs of stopping. However, with the advent of the transfer portal, even elite programs like Alabama have had to adapt to the new landscape of college football.

A former Heisman winner would likely recognize that Saban’s ability to adjust and incorporate the transfer portal into Alabama’s recruiting strategy is a key aspect of the program’s continued success. While the Tide have always thrived on developing young talent, bringing in immediate contributors from the transfer portal could help Alabama fill gaps and address depth concerns on both sides of the ball.

Given the evolving nature of college football and the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, the landscape of recruiting has changed dramatically. A former Heisman winner would likely note that Alabama will need to continue to adapt to these changes in order to maintain its competitive edge. While the Tide has historically relied on homegrown talent, integrating experienced players from the transfer portal will be an essential part of their long-term success.

The Outlook for Alabama’s Future

Looking ahead, Alabama’s future remains bright. With continued elite recruiting, the development of quarterbacks and skill players, and Saban’s unmatched coaching expertise, the Crimson Tide will remain a powerhouse in college football. However, the program is facing new challenges, especially with quarterback play, the defensive transition, and adapting to the new realities of the transfer portal.

A former Heisman winner who experienced the pressures of Alabama football firsthand would certainly have high expectations for the program moving forward. Saban’s leadership, coupled with the wealth of talent in Tuscaloosa, ensures that the Crimson Tide will continue to be contenders on the national stage.

At the same time, there would likely be recognition that the SEC, and college football in general, is becoming increasingly competitive. Programs like Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson are all formidable contenders, and Alabama’s ability to stay ahead of the curve will be essential.

Ultimately, while Alabama may face challenges, its ability to reload year after year, foster a winning culture, and continue developing future Heisman winners and NFL players will ensure that the program remains a dominant force in college football for years to come.