Caleb Downs' decision reveals Alabama's harsh new reality

Downs' decision wasn't the only dose of bad news the Tide received on Wednesday. 247Sports' John Talty noted that starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor also plans to enter the portal, and five-star 2025 recruit Zion Grady decommitted from the program.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer's task of following Saban became much more difficult. Per On3, Alabama ranks 66th out of 70 programs in its transfer portal team rankings. The Tide have had 21 three- or four-star players enter the portal while only receiving commitments from three three-stars.

Downs would be a key piece on any defense, but his decision could be devastating for DeBoer's Tide.

Al.com's Matt Stahl noted on Wednesday how integral safeties are to Alabama co-defensive coordinator Kane Wommack's 4-2-5 defensive scheme, which consists of four linemen, two linebackers and five defensive backs.

In his article, he pointed to Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves' praise of Wommack, who DeBoer hired on Monday.

"Everything in that defense funnel to the safety," wrote Reaves in response to a comment about Downs' potential in Wommack's scheme. Wommack coached Reaves from 2016-17 at South Alabama, with Reaves moving to safety full-time in 2017.

The Tide were the model of consistency under Saban. The week since his retirement proved how easily a program can be plunged into uncertainty, especially in the age of the portal and name, image and likeness (NIL) deals.

Alabama's future is shrouded in mystery for the first time in nearly two decades. But forgive the rest of college football for having little sympathy. To everyone else, this would be just another offseason.