Paul Finebaum ponders if Alabama can sustain recruiting success financially against other SEC powers

It’s a new era of college athletics. Every program around the country is trying to figure out how it now fits in, including historic blue bloods like the Alabama Crimson Tide.

With its phenomenal history and string of great coaches, Alabama typically recruits very well. However, in an era where financial resources matter even more in recruiting, there is concern that Alabama won’t keep up financially with other SEC powers. Paul Finebaum addressed those concerns on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning. However, for the time being, he doesn’t have a definitive answer.

“I think that remains to be seen,” Paul Finebaum said. “As high as I am on everything we’ve already talked about, Greg [McElroy], you’re around the Alabama fat cats more than I am. There is concern, and there has been concern. You just said a line that was in a book last summer… but basically using profanity more than we can handle this morning, Alabama is done after [Nick] Saban. If he ever leaves, that was the point. The book was by John Talty and Armen Keteyian, which chronicled in Saban’s final season when that comment was made. That has already been proven wrong.”

Alabama has traditionally recruited very well. In particular, they thrived under Nick Saban. Now, after he’s been replaced by Kalen DeBoer at a time when NIL, the House settlement, and transfers have taken over the sport, there is concern a school like Texas or Texas A&M has more resources and can recruit better more consistently.

“The only thing that has not been proven yet is whether Alabama can sustain the financial ability,” Finebaum said. “Like the Texases, and like the A&Ms, and some of these other schools. It’s one thing to get a player. It’s another thing to keep him. So, on that part of the card, Alabama answered that already in the spring by not losing any players. So, I think the answer, short term, is yes.”

There are numerous changes coming with the House settlement. It will lead to revenue sharing, for one. It is also hoping to curtail NIL spending. NIL deals above $600 will need third-party approval and will be sent to a new clearinghouse called NIL Go. The hope is that will set a more fixed market, but how it works in practice remains to be seen.

“I think it’s all a matter of how the new House settlement gets dissolved. I think that actually helps Alabama a little bit more where while there’s a lot of money at stake,” Finebaum said. “It’s not just open checkbook like it was six or seven weeks ago as the mad wild rush was made to get in under the wire.”

Ultimately, the standard is the standard at Alabama. That means competing for national championships, and to do that, Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide can’t afford to let recruiting slip, regardless of the circumstances.