Alabama
How the ‘Nick Saban discount’ in recruiting has changed for Alabama
Jake Crain Full Interview with Andy Staples | New Era Without Saban, Georgia Taking Place? | 01.17.24
During Nick Saban’s tenure at Alabama, recruits knew they were talking to one of the greatest of all time. Eventually, that title shifted to the greatest of all time as Saban won a record seven national championships as part of his storied career.
Now, he’s riding into the sunset, announcing his retirement on Jan. 10. It’s Kalen DeBoer’s show in Tuscaloosa, and the recruiting effect is already starting. Multiple players have entered the transfer portal and high-profile, unsigned commits backed off their pledges.
It’s possible the “Nick Saban Discount” could be going away if players commit to a person rather than a school. In fact, Crain and Co.’s Jake Crain said Saban’s departure could make it more challenging for Alabama to lure in those highly touted recruits.
“I think you lose a little bit of the benefit of the doubt,” Crain told Andy Staples on Andy Staples On3. “I think that may be the most hurtful impact of the greatest of all time when it comes to college football and Nick Saban retiring.
“Here’s what I’ll say, Andy. I think, especially now, in the era of the freedom — I call it, it’s like the ’70s. The free love of the transfer portal. Now is not a better time to commit to a coach. Why would I commit to a place? Why would I not commit to a guy where I can follow him around wherever he goes? I obviously believe in him if I’m going to commit to him. But if he fits what I want to do schematically and philosophically, I’m committing to the coach and not the place.”
Jake Crain: Despite so much history, Nick Saban became Alabama
Long before Mal Moore brought Nick Saban to Alabama, the Crimson Tide became one of the most storied programs in college football. The legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant brought six national championships to Tuscaloosa as part of his Hall of Fame career, and it wasn’t always smooth sailing after he retired.
Bryant became synonymous with Alabama, and it seemed as though no one would surpass him as the greatest coach of all time. That is, until Saban left the Miami Dolphins to take over the program.
Just like that, it became his program. DeBoer’s task will now be selling Alabama post-Saban.
“I think in Alabama’s case — and this is a compliment, this isn’t a negative thing — is we know that Alabama has been a monster before,” Crain said. “But nobody ever talks about Bear Bryant being the greatest of all time. Nobody ever talks about Bear Bryant being Alabama. Bear Bryant was Alabama, right? Until Nick Saban came in.
“And regardless of how you want to look at it, regardless of team affiliation, Alabama is Nick Saban and Nick Saban is Alabama. And at the end of the day, it’s the truth. That out-of-state tuition, those kids weren’t coming down from fist pumping on Jersey Shore to Tuscaloosa because of the party scene or because of any extenuating circumstance.”
Joseph Ionata, who spent two years with the Tide, will be joining former teammate Jaylen Mbakwe.
Georgia Tech fans celebrate during the second half against Syracuse on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2025)
A second former member of the Alabama Crimson Tide is transferring to Georgia Tech.
Offensive lineman Joseph Ionata intends to play for the Yellow Jackets, according to On3. Ionata spent two years with the Tide and would be joining former Alabama defensive back and wide receiver Jaylen Mbakwe.
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Chad Bishop is a Georgia Tech sports reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Alabama Farmers Federation has endorsed Kristin Nelson in the upcoming special election for Alabama House District 38, a seat left vacant following the resignation of Rep. Debbie Wood (R-Valley). The district includes portions of Chambers and Lee counties.
Nelson recently secured the Republican nomination after winning a runoff election. The special general election is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3.
“Kristin Nelson is a well-respected community leader in Chambers County, and we are proud to endorse her,” said Jason McKay, president of the Chambers County Farmers Federation. “We know she will represent us well in Montgomery and ensure District 38 gets the attention it needs in the business and agricultural arenas.”
Support for Nelson’s candidacy also came from farmers in neighboring Lee County. “Kristin Nelson is a strong conservative with incredible knowledge of House District 38,” said Robert Walters, president of the Lee County Farmers Federation. “There is no doubt she will work hard and represent the people of Lee and Chambers counties well in the Legislature.”
Nelson grew up along the Chambers-Lee county line and brings experience from both the public and private sectors. Her background includes seven years in city administration with the City of Valley and three years as a third-grade teacher with Lanett City Schools.
She has also been active in homeschooling through Classical Conversations, where she has served as both a tutor and a local representative supporting other families.
In addition to returning to part-time work with Harris Gray LLC, Nelson serves as worship leader at Fairfax Methodist Church, secretary of the Junior Variety Club and president of the EAMC Lanier Auxiliary Board.
She also founded the Chambers County Young Republicans and currently serves as the chair of the Chambers County Republican Party.
“The farmers of this district and I share the same strong work ethic and conservative values,” said Nelson. “It is an honor to have their support and to be able to represent them and all the people of this district in Montgomery.”
Nelson and her husband, Jeff, live in the Huguley community with their two teenage sons.
The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization, representing more than 360,000 member families. The organization uses a grassroots endorsement process that relies on decisions made by county Farmers Federation boards of directors in local elections.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
HOOVER, Ala. (WSFA) – Senator Tommy Tuberville officially filed the paperwork to run for governor at the Alabama Republican Party Headquarters in Hoover Monday morning.
“I want to make the lives of the people of this state better,” said Sen. Tuberville. “If I thought that staying in the U.S. Senate would be best for Alabama, I would’ve stayed. but I think the best thing for Alabama is for me to come back.”
He talked about the need to grow Alabama’s economy, with attracting manufacturers being a primary focus. Sen. Tuberville said that to do that, he would focus on improving the state’s infrastructure and making the state’s education and workforce systems more attractive to new residents.
When asked about cutting waste, fraud and abuse, a focus of his time in Washington, D.C., alongside President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, Sen. Tuberville said, he expects to make changes if elected governor.
“You have a lot of different agencies here, we want to make them all better,” he said. “We also want to make sure that we save the taxpayers’ money, that we use it wisely and we give it back to them.”
The former Auburn football coach said he did not expect to go into politics, but now, he is ready to transition from national to state politics.
“It’s time to come home, put together a staff and worry about the state of Alabama and the people here,” he said.
According to Alabama’s constitution, someone running for governor has to have lived in the state for at least seven years. Some have questioned whether Sen. Tuberville fits that requirement. He said during the candidacy filing that the Republican Party of Alabama says he does fulfill the requirement.
The filing deadline for candidates to qualify for a major political party is Jan. 23.
Alabama’s Democratic primary has the following candidates:
- Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones
- Dr. Will Boyd – businessman and engineer
- JaMel Brown – pastor and talk show host
- Chad ‘Chig’ Martin – businessowner
Alabama’s Republican Primary has the following candidates:
- Sen. Tommy Tuberville
- Ken McFeeters – former congressional candidate
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