Alabama roster turnover causes fans and media to declare, ‘Welcome to the real world’

Alabama is in an unfamiliar territory as it faces departures and decommitments not seen during the Nick Saban era.

Since Saban announced his retirement last week, Alabama has seen a slew of players and recruits to depart, most notably Isaiah Bond and Caleb Downs.

One position was hit especially hard. Alabama lost 7 defensive backs to the transfer portal, and 3 others to the NFL Draft.

The Tide also saw players and one prominent coach leave for other SEC teams. Jake Pope committed to Georgia, Dezz Ricks to Texas A&M, Kristian Story to Kentucky and assistant coach Travaris Robinson to Georgia. Earl Little Jr. also left for Florida State.

News like this is typically ripe for social media jokes, including memes and gifs, and it didn’t disappoint.

To address the departures, new coach Kalen DeBoer has reportedly hired South Alabama coach Kane Wommack to be Alabama’s defensive coordinator and Buffalo coach Maurice Linguist to work with the secondary.

Here’s a sample of the reaction:

Since losing the Rose Bowl, Alabama as seen:

Nick Saban retire

21 players enter the transfer portal (including stars Isaiah Bond, Caleb Downs, et al)

6 recruits from the Class of 2024/25 decommit.

Tough stretch for the Tide. Welcome to the real world.

— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) January 17, 2024

Feels like we’re welcoming Alabama fans to the real world after 15 years living in college football paradise.

— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) January 17, 2024

Overall, Alabama has lost 7 of its defensive backs to the transfer portal and 3 to the NFL draft. Only 5 DBs remain from the 2023 roster: Malachi Moore, DeVonta Smith, Tony Mitchell, Bray Hubbard and Jahlil Hurley.

Tide added Domani Jackson through portal and signed 7 freshmen.

— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) January 17, 2024

Leaving Alabama’s secondary

Caleb Downs –
Trey Amos –
Jake Pope – to UGA
Dezz Ricks – to Texas A&M
Antonio Kite –
Earl Little Jr. – FSU
Kristian Story – to Kentucky
Terrion Arnold – early for the NFL
Kool-Aid – early for the NFL
Jalen Key – to NFL
T. Rob – to UGA (DB Coach)… pic.twitter.com/6aQbkGV91p

— Kyle Henderson (@BamaYoutube) January 17, 2024

Seeing the people reacting to all the Alabama departures, makes me realize how right @TheSlanderU was on the last episode.

There’s a whole generation of fans that don’t know what it’s like to suck.

That bill has come due now.

— Robert  (@Computron34) January 17, 2024

A new era in Alabama football since the Rose Bowl loss.

Head Coach Nick Saban announced his retirement.

21 players, featuring stars Isaiah Bond and Caleb Downs, entered the transfer portal.

Six prospective players from the 2024/25 classes withdrew their commitments. pic.twitter.com/r7tAMdTw1o

— Art (@CaneFilms) January 17, 2024

First Isaiah Bond now Caleb Downs it’s never been more over for Bama https://t.co/jChmLCKc9I pic.twitter.com/22WX23SXAm

— Kai (@KAlDALEGEND) January 17, 2024

Caleb Downs and Isaiah Bond when Kalen DeBoer asked them to stay at Alabama. pic.twitter.com/NvIi6y251q

— At The Buzzer (@AtTheBuzzer1) January 17, 2024

With Caleb Downs entering the transfer portal, Alabama has now had 25 scholarship players enter the transfer portal this offseason.

Caleb Downs
Dezz Ricks
Ja’Corey Brooks
Roydell Williams
Isaiah Bond

This is part of the transfer portal contributing to parity.

— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) January 17, 2024

Alabama players who have entered the transfer portal since Nick Saban’s retirement:

– DB Caleb Downs
– DB Trey Amos
– WR Isaiah Bond (Texas)
– DB Antonio Kite
– LB Shawn Murphy (Florida State)
– TE Amari Niblack
– DB Dezz Ricks (Texas A&M) pic.twitter.com/J3PHn5SLzz

— College Sports Only (@CollegeSportsO) January 17, 2024

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.