Recruits answer the question: Should Alabama be in the College Football Playoff?
Alabama’s football program and fan base had their wishes granted this weekend.
On Friday night, the fourth-ranked USC Trojans fell to the Utah Utes in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Less than 24 hours later, the No. 3 TCU Horned Frogs suffered a 28-31 overtime defeat at the hands of Kansas State in the Big 12 Championship game.
These results essentially guaranteed No. 5 Ohio State a spot in the College Football Playoff, but that’s not necessarily the case for No. 6 Alabama.
BamaInsider exchanged messages with several Crimson Tide commits and targets to get their thoughts on whether or not they believe Nick Saban‘s program should make the CFP.
Alabama targets react to losses from TCU and USC: “Put Bama in the playoffs.”
Starting in the 2023 class, Miami (Fla.) Central defensive lineman Rueben Bain is one of Alabama’s top remaining targets. Bain recently made his return to Tuscaloosa for last weekend’s win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
ICYMI: South Florida DL Rueben Bain talks recent trip to Alabama: “It was a great visit.”
So, does Bain believe Alabama should be labeled a top-four team by the CFP committee on Sunday?
“Yes,” Bain replied. “Doesn’t feel normal without Bama in the playoffs.”
Another recent visitor for the Tide is Mississippi-based running back Daniel Hill. The four-star prospect believes that Bama should make the playoffs, and is excited about their potential first-round matchup.
“Of course,” Hill said. “TCU would get [crushed] by Georgia in the first round. I don’t see TCU only moving down one spot after a loss, not going to lie.”
“I’m all for it,” Hill said of a potential Bama vs. UGA first-round matchup. “I want to see it happen.”
Pinson (Al.) Clay-Chalkville wideout Mario Craver, another 2024 target for Alabama, concurred with Hill.
“YES,” Craver said. “PUT BAMA IN THE PLAYOFFS PLEASE, CFB!”
Buford High School features not only 2023 Bama running back commit Justice Haynes, but also a trio of top-40 juniors in possession of Alabama offers.
One of those is EDGE KingJoseph Edwards, who was adamant in saying that Bama should make the CFP.
“Yes, for sure!!” Edwards said. “Honestly, what is the SEC [without] BAMA? They deserve it.”
Switching gears to the 2025 class, Olney (Md.) prospect Faheem Delane is one of the top sophomores in the country. The top-20 recruit, who was offered by Alabama in May, had the following to say about this weekend’s results.
“Yes sir, definitely,” Delane said. “It’s the top 4 best teams, and I think Alabama is definitely a top-4 team after TCU’s loss.”
For more reactions from some key 2024 and 2025 targets, including the No. 2 junior in the country, click HERE!
Bama commitments weigh in on the CFP debate
Along with reaching out to top targets in each recruiting cycle, BamaInsider also caught up with several Crimson Tide commitments.
One of those was Cole Adams, who is a part of a four-receiver 2023 class for Saban’s staff. Adams referenced a famous Jim Carrey line in his response to us on Saturday.
“I think we have a great chance,” Adams said. “Obviously, I’m hoping we have a chance to show what we’re really about, but [TCU] did only lose by 3 in OT.”
“So, you’re saying there’s a chance? [laughing emoji]” Adams added.
Carlsbad (Calif.) quarterback Julian Sayin committed to the Tide just over a month ago on Nov. 2. That was shortly before Bama’s 31-32 loss on the road at LSU, which prevented them from playing in today’s SEC Championship.
In his opinion, the top-five 2024 quarterback believes Alabama should make it to the College Football Playoff.
“Definitely think they should be in,” Sayin said. “Would love to see them in and they have 2 losses at the horn in the toughest conference in America.”
In the 2025 cycle, Alabama holds a commitment from one of the most electric players in the country, regardless of class: Ryan Williams.
The Saraland (Ala.) wideout is in agreement with the rest of his fellow Bama commits about what his future team’s fate should be.
“Of course, they should,” Williams said. “RTR [Roll Tide Roll]. It’s going to be scary if they do [make the playoffs].”
For more reactions from Alabama’s commits, click HERE to read our running thread!
Check out more Alabama recruiting content!
*** Weekend Recruiting Nuggets: Alabama coaches hit the road
*** Thursday Cup of Joe: Latest Alabama recruiting intel (Dec. 1)
** Alabama Crimson Tide Official Visitor Preview (Dec. 2-4)
** Four-star DB talks latest offer from Alabama
** Analysis on 2023 WR Jaren Hamilton’s commitment to Alabama
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