College Football is transforming, and so is its perceived hierarchy. The current iteration of the sport is much different to what it was even a couple years ago. The new 12-team playoff format and NIL are massive proponents of this evolution. As the sport stands on the precipice of testing waters with the former, the latter is already underway and prevalent. In a bid to not fall further behind the 8-ball, the biggest program in the country is implementing certain measures. 

Alabama’s first season in the post-Saban era was underwhelming to put it lightly. Apart from his play-calling and development, one thing that Bama missed was Saban’s recruiting prowess. The sheen has worn off, and players now view Alabama in the same echelon as their adversaries. With the playing field more level now, athletic director Greg Byrne has decided to be more proactive. In an attempt to boost the program’s NIL arsenal, he has approached its biggest stakeholders- the fans.

Greg Byrne took to X, formerly Twitter, in an open plea to the Bama faithful. He spoke about the overarching advent of NIL and how it has changed the dynamic for recruitment. An excerpt from his open letter read ” There’s a time for talk and a time for action. Now is a time for action. Although we have been competitive from an NIL standpoint, our competition has us in their sights and are actively trying to surge ahead with NIL. You have heard examples of other teams using promises of million-dollar paydays to lure away our players or convince them not to come to Alabama. It is time for the Bama Nation to fight back” Byrne proceeded to lay the details of Alabama’s NIL official fund-raising entity, “Yea Alabama”

This entity allowed the school to garner funds via “legitimate product” such as merchandise and exclusive content. This is a more reciprocal give-back to the fans in exchange for their money, rather than a simple donation. Byrne explicitly stated that the school aims to expand its current offerings via “Yea Alabama”, alongside more diverse content.

“At Alabama, we’ve not measured ourselves against our competition. We are the standard, and that measurement is against the mirror and against a rich and proud history, but it’s impossible to ignore what is taking place in college athletics. Hungry fan bases are acting decisively to give their respective programs competitive advantages. We must respond. We are Alabama.” said Greg Byrne in a powerful conclusion to his plea. This introspection and call for action was preceded by some good news. The news is indicative of Bama still being the revered blueblood that Saban built it into.

Jaylen Mbakwe’s reversal in stance is a great omen for the program

The transfer portal didn’t wait for Greg Byrne’s decree on matters before uprooting multiple members of his roster. Bama are several key players down from where they were a fortnight ago. However, there is a silver lining. After initially announcing that he was hitting the portal, freshman defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe has walked back on his decision.

Mbakwe, a Pinson, Alabama native and former 5-star, sent shockwaves around Tuscaloosa earlier this week. He stated that leaving was the best move forward for his “personal and professional development”. It is inconspicuous at this moment what triggered the reversal of his stance. Alas, the bridges weren’t burned just yet. Kalen DeBoer and the fans will welcome him back to join their $15.9 million roster. Jaylen Mbakwe had 12 tackles and 1 INT in limited playing time this season. He’ll certainly be a more prominent feature going forward.

This is a vote of confidence from a player who had his pick of great schools yet decided to stick around. Not only confidence in his coaches but the program as a collective. Fans will be infused with some of this confidence as well. Greg Byrne’s words won’t fall on deaf ears. Expect these fans to do what they can to see their school back where they belong. Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class ranks no.2 in the country. This behemoth is perhaps only on a one-season rest and will begin its ascend to the top once again.