Kalen DeBoer is mirroring the 2024 Ohio State strategy as he constructs his 2025 Alabama football team.
A lot has been discussed regarding the funds Ohio State invested in assembling its 2024 roster. Certain reports suggest they invested close to $20 million to assemble what is expected to be a national championship team, provided they defeat Notre Dame on January 20th in Atlanta, where they are strongly favored to win.
Many believe that Ryan Day and the Buckeyes extensively utilized the Transfer Portal to construct this roster, which is far from reality. Actually, Ohio State signed just seven players from the portal. They hit the jackpot on four of those, including Caleb Downs and Seth McLaughlin from Alabama, Will Howard from Ohio State, and Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss. I’m certain they forked out a significant amount to recruit those players.
However, Ohio State primarily invested its funds in retaining its existing roster from the previous season, allocating sufficient resources to hold onto players who could have turned pro and opted to stay in college for an additional year.
Specifically, Ohio State stepped up to retain the top talent from their 2021 recruiting class. Individuals they enlisted and cultivated, who have assumed leading positions for the Buckeyes this season.
Guys such as Jack Sawyer, who made the scoop-and-score touchdown that sealed the game for Texas. Stud DL J.T. Tuimoloau, WR Emeka Egbuka, and RB Treyveon Henderson, along with others.
According to the 247 composite, Ohio State secured the No. 3 recruiting class last season. None in that class is more significant than WR Jeremiah Smith, who could very well be the top WR in the nation.
Many teams have been more eye-catching in the Transfer Portal. Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss are prioritizing the portal above all else. Hugh Freeze has been busy in the portal at Auburn as he aims to completely transform the roster.
Several Alabama supporters have expressed disappointment in the actions of Alabama regarding the portal. The Tide has only brought in seven transfers to date, which is the identical number Ohio State brought in last season.
What Alabama has prioritized instead is keeping the elite talent within its own team. Alabama invested resources to re-sign players such as WR Germie Bernard, C Parker Brailsford, DL LT Overton, NT Tim Keenan, DBs Domani Jackson and Keon Sabb, as well as LBs Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson, among others.
Alabama also secured the No. 2 recruiting class for 2025, featuring five stars in QB Keelon Russell, OL Michael Carroll, and CB Dijon Lee.
It’s the precise system Ohio State has achieved great success with and what is expected to guide the Buckeyes to the national title. They cleverly located the elements required to address certain gaps in the Transfer Portal, which is precisely what Kalen DeBoer and Alabama have endeavored to accomplish.
Alabama required an additional playmaker at wide receiver alongside Bernard and standout freshman Ryan Williams. They brought in Miami (FL) transfer Isaiah Horton to address that gap.
They required additional strength on the DL and acquired Florida transfer Kelby Collins. Tyler Booker’s departure created a gap at LG, leading the Tide to acquire Kam Dewberry from Texas A&M. Utah cornerback Cam Calhoun and Colorado linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green enhanced the depth in areas where the Tide required it.
Alabama is likely to secure commitments from over seven players in the portal. They’re expected to seek a few additional players in the spring transfer portal to complete the roster.
However, Alabama will not rely heavily on the transfer portal like many other teams do. DeBoer emphasizes internal player growth with a strong emphasis on recruiting high school talent. It’s uncertain whether that approach will be effective in the future, but it definitely benefited Ohio State.
DeBoer is relying on the same strategy being effective for Alabama.
