The proven success of the Alabama Crimson Tide under Nick Saban and the strength of their recruiting has earned them the respect of being considered the No. 1 team in the country heading into next season. But anyone talking about the group in Tuscaloosa for next season would be remiss to not mention that this roster is about to undergo some serious changes.
Bama is almost certainly about to see quarterback Mac Jones, running back Najee Harris, Heisman Trophy-winning wide receiver DeVonta Smith, cornerback Patrick Surtain II and a host of other key contributors on both sides of the ball head for the NFL Draft. Even for a program such as this, those are a lot of big shoes to fill.
Even so, the strength of the recruiting pipeline for the Crimson Tide puts them in position to be the No. 1 team in college football entering next season. Bryce Young will take over at quarterback and the offense has replacements ready on virtually every level. The defense could stumble early but not enough to truly hinder the performance of the offense.
There will be growing pains for Alabama as inexperienced — or less experienced — players climb into larger roles. Moreover, changes at offensive coordinator raise some more uncertainty. But even with all of that, the talent level of this roster and the track record under Saban are too immense to not have them at the top.
For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.