Spring football has come and gone once again, and with less noise than perhaps was anticipated in the spring transfer portal window, there were no huge surprises as may have been expected.
Both Alabama and Auburn ended up ranked in On3’s post spring practice and portal rankings with the season just a couple of months away.
NEW: Post-Spring/Portal College Football Top 25 via @Andy_Staples🚨
Do you agree? ⬇️https://t.co/dXsKMAy0YX pic.twitter.com/ynPDA7LeEt
— On3 (@On3sports) May 21, 2024
The chatter surrounding Alabama and new head coach Kalen DeBoer has been pretty much nothing but positive once the initial wave of shock from Nick Saban’s retirement wore off.
While recruiting was seen as a concern once DeBoer was hired, the new Crimson Tide head coach seems to have answered all questions about his ability to recruit during his four months on the job.
The Tide came in at No. 3 in the rankings behind just Ohio State and Georgia. Ultimately, Alabama is still Alabama until proven otherwise according to On3.
While it was somewhat of a surprise to see Auburn crack the top-25, it does make a lot of sense when you analyze a bit deeper.
The Tigers were right there with both Georgia and Alabama in 2023, and despite the fact that the season did not go as many hoped, there is reason to be optimistic.
For one, Payton Thorne now has a year of SEC football under his belt, plus the fact that reinforcements are on the way.
Cam Coleman will earn serious playing time as a freshman and has a chance to immediately be the top receiver on the team.
Hugh Freeze also made several huge additions in the transfer portal and should have his squad much more competitive in year two from year one.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP