ESPN Analyst Predicts Major Step Back For SEC Powerhouse

The SEC's 2024 season will be unprecedented. The conference has added two new teams, Oklahoma and Texas, to an already-prominent conference in college football.

This upcoming SEC season is expected to be different for another reason: it marks the first time since 2006 that Nick Saban will not be coaching on Alabama's sidelines. Despite hiring Washington's Kalen DeBoer, who recently led the Huskies to a national championship appearance, to replace Saban, there are lingering questions about whether Alabama will perform at the same level this season.

ESPN analyst Harry Douglas stated on ESPN First Take that he believes at least four SEC teams have a better chance of reaching the College Football Playoff this season than Alabama.

“I would say this, it’s not a guarantee that Alabama’s going to make the College Football Playoff," Douglas said . "When I look at the SEC right now, I could name four teams that I could think of before I even get to Alabama."

Douglas pointed out that Alabama has suffered major player losses from last year's team, notably National Freshman of the Year safety Caleb Downs and the second-leading receiver, wide receiver Isaiah Bond, who have transferred to other schools. That's why he believes Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss and Missouri are ahead of Alabama in the SEC as the new season begins.

While Alabama still has a lot of talent on its roster, Douglas believes that other SEC teams have a better chance of reaching the College Football Playoff.

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