Alabama didn’t just lose their last game of the season to the Michigan Wolverines 19-13. They lost their only chance to erase the bitter taste that this season left. Seriously, why bash Michigan for five losses when Bama, a back-to-back national title winner, had four? Kinda ironic, right? In the meantime, there is a growing concern that Kalen DeBoer’s team may not have much hope for a strong comeback in the next season. This is particularly due to the fact that Michigan is actively pursuing their highly sought-after five-star recruit, Ty Haywood. It’s like The Empire Strikes Back, but instead of the Rebels, it’s Michigan that’s coming out on top, causing a complete upheaval in the college football scene.

It’s quite possible that Sherrone Moore successfully gets Ty Haywood’s commitment, not just because of their win but because of the kind of money they are ready to spend on him. Remember Bryce Underwood? Even Michigan’s insider EJ Holland made it clear on the On3 Recruits podcast. “Obviously, Michigan wasn’t afraid to do that with Bryce Underwood. That’s the biggest reason they were able to secure his flip away from LSU during the early period heading into the late period. Ty Haywood is by far the biggest target left on the board, and I think they are willing to put together a package that is extremely competitive and right up there with anybody willing to enter this NIL race,” he said.

We all know what happened in the case of Bryce Underwood and how a lump sum amount of $10.5 million took away LSU’s future star quarterback from them. Plus, it’s not just the flip targets. Michigan is also planning on taking Bama’s players from the transfer portal. It’s like living a nightmare for Kalen DeBoer and the team, as their No. 1 ranked running back, Justice Haynes, might transfer to Michigan. Looks like Michigan is on to some mission against Bama. Well, can we blame them, though?

Four losses in the season, two against teams like Vanderbilt and the Oklahoma Sooners. This even made them lose their spot in the playoffs. It’s Bama’s last chance to make a better standing next year, and they should fight it against Michigan before they get Ty Haywood on the campus. As Holland hints at it, saying, “Obviously, Michigan has to get him on campus just to get familiar with the program. He’s never been to Ann Arbor, so just getting a first look will be somewhat important. But at the end of the day, I think it comes down to who’s willing to pay.”

Looks like we might have a massive NIL battle brewing for Ty Haywood between Michigan and Texas Tech. Sherrone Moore’s squad is ready to throw some serious cash, but don’t count out Texas Tech—they’re definitely not backing down. Insiders have pointed out that Texas Tech isn’t messing around and is right in the mix. “I think they are willing to put together a package that is extremely competitive and, you know, right up there with anybody willing to enter this NIL race. You know, with Haywood, I think Texas Tech is probably the other school to watch here. They presented an NIL offer during the early period.” 

Moore had a rough season. All the quarterback drama didn’t help, and it felt like the trolls were out to get him. Thankfully, they still managed to win eight games and might even ‘win’ Ty Haywood despite all the other rival schools trying to steal him. But what about those big promises Ty made to Bama?

“I am 1000% COMMITTED.” Looks like that doesn’t really hold any depth. Plus, with more teams fighting for him, Haywood might get a chance to increase his worth.

Seminoles push for Ty Haywood

Enough of Bama’s inconsistencies this season; it’s evident that pressure and high expectations made it worse for them this season. They didn’t just lose their chance to be the championship holder this year but also lost the trust of their own players. Imagine a team like Alabama losing 15 players in the transfer portal since the transfer portal window opened. This is live proof of how bad their situation is right now. Then don’t just get started on the flip commitments; the team already lost their five-star WR, Caleb Cunningham, to Ole Miss.

The worst part is that players are ready to choose teams with lower winning records than Bama but are not ready to stick with the team. Even LB Dawson Merritt flipped from Crimson Tide to Nebraska. Case in point. But now the situation has escalated to the point that teams like Florida State, who had arguably one of the worst years ever with a 2-10 record, might lure away players from Kalen DeBoer’s team. Crazy, right?

Bama had a rough season, no doubt about it. But there’s a difference between having a bad year and a completely disastrous one. But NIL has thrown a wrench in everything, and it seems like it might be erasing all those old lines in the sand. So, on the recruiting front, things are getting interesting. Looks like Mike Novell might be making a play for Ty Haywood. And suddenly, Michigan’s got some competition. Talk about a twist!

Even On3 recruits insider Steve Wiltfong is trying hard for Haywood, saying, “If you did not sign a Letter of Intent, Mike Norvell and the Seminoles are trying to recruit you if you can play.” But obviously Michigan will surely remain the favorites. It seems like they’ve got a big NIL advantage now, and losing to them in the bowl game is definitely a thorn in Alabama’s side. Coach DeBoer and the team have some serious work to do to regain their edge.