Which Alabama secondary is the best? Which Tide player has the most to lose? Which Michigan player is trash-talking?

As Alabama reloads for another championship run under Kalen DeBoer, the chatter surrounding the program is growing louder—and not just from Tuscaloosa. From historical comparisons of Crimson Tide secondaries, to pressure mounting on key returning players, to Michigan players still chirping months after their College Football Playoff victory, there’s no shortage of headlines. In a sport driven by legacy, pressure, and pride, Alabama once again finds itself at the center of it all.

This offseason, Alabama isn’t just regrouping. It’s reigniting a fire. But before looking forward, it’s worth pausing to ask: Was last year’s defensive backfield Alabama’s best ever? Who among the 2025 squad has the most to prove—or lose? And which Michigan player can’t stop talking, trying to fuel what may become college football’s fiercest new rivalry?

The Greatest Secondary in Alabama History?

There have been many great Alabama secondaries, but none have received the instant acclaim that the 2023 unit did. Led by Kool-Aid McKinstry, Terrion Arnold, Malachi Moore, and Caleb Downs, this group was both elite on the field and loud in the national conversation. The blend of shutdown coverage, game-changing instincts, and swagger evoked memories of past legendary groups—but how do they stack up?

Let’s consider the competition:

• 2011 Alabama Secondary: This group boasted NFL talent across the board—Mark Barron, Dre Kirkpatrick, Dee Milliner, and Robert Lester. They were part of a defense that allowed just 8.2 points per game, arguably the most dominant unit of the Saban era.
• 2015 Alabama Secondary: Led by All-American safety Eddie Jackson, along with Marlon Humphrey, Minkah Fitzpatrick (as a freshman), and Cyrus Jones. This group helped lead Alabama to a national title and produced some of the NFL’s most respected defensive backs.
• 2017 Alabama Secondary: With Minkah Fitzpatrick in his prime, Ronnie Harrison, Levi Wallace, and Anthony Averett locking down opponents, this unit was versatile and clutch—especially in the National Championship win over Georgia.

But the 2023 secondary might have had the highest ceiling. Caleb Downs’ freshman campaign drew comparisons to Fitzpatrick and even Ed Reed. Terrion Arnold elevated his stock to become a projected first-round pick with his ball-hawking ability and physicality. McKinstry’s consistency and leadership anchored the group. Malachi Moore was the chess piece—an enforcer who could drop back in coverage, blitz off the edge, or play the run.

Statistically, they were formidable—allowing just 187.3 passing yards per game against SEC competition. But it wasn’t just the numbers. It was the feel. When quarterbacks dropped back against Alabama in 2023, you could see the hesitation.

So are they the best ever? From a pure talent and impact perspective, yes. The 2023 group might not have been part of the greatest defense Alabama’s had, but as a standalone unit, they can make a legitimate claim as the most complete secondary in Crimson Tide history.

Who Has the Most to Lose in 2025?

With Kalen DeBoer now at the helm, the expectations remain sky-high, but the leadership structure has shifted. There’s one player, though, who carries more pressure than anyone else heading into the 2025 season: cornerback Domani Jackson.

The USC transfer arrived in Tuscaloosa with a five-star pedigree and massive hype, especially after Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry departed for the NFL. Jackson, who showed flashes with the Trojans, now faces the full brunt of Alabama’s expectations. He must not only start—he must excel in one of the most scrutinized positions in all of college football.

What’s at stake for him?

1. Draft Stock: With a strong 2025 season, Jackson could rise into the first-round conversation. But if he struggles—especially under the microscope of Alabama’s defensive standards—he could plummet.
2. Legacy: Transferring into Alabama comes with weight. Alabama DBs are expected to follow in the footsteps of Fitzpatrick, Humphrey, and Surtain. Jackson doesn’t just need to be good—he needs to be great to be remembered.
3. Locker Room Confidence: Caleb Downs is the unquestioned leader in the back end. If Jackson struggles in early games—particularly against Wisconsin and Georgia—there’s a risk of losing trust from coaches and teammates. In a defensive scheme that relies on communication and trust, that could be fatal.

There’s also rising star Jahlil Hurley, a redshirt freshman who impressed during spring practices and is pushing for serious snaps. If Jackson stumbles, he could find himself on the wrong side of a rotation battle.

While quarterback Jalen Milroe will naturally attract headlines, he already proved himself in 2024. For Domani Jackson, the spotlight is just beginning to heat up.

Michigan’s Trash Talk: Kenneth Grant Leads the Noise

The rivalry between Alabama and Michigan was reborn in the 2024 College Football Playoff, when the Wolverines escaped with a 27–20 overtime win in the Rose Bowl. The Wolverines went on to win the national championship, but you wouldn’t know that they were the victors by how often they’ve been talking about Alabama ever since.

The chief talker? Kenneth Grant, Michigan’s 339-pound defensive tackle and returning veteran.

During a recent interview with Big Ten Network, Grant fired shots at the Tide’s offensive line from last season, saying:

“They were big, but they weren’t physical. Not like us. We wore them down by the third quarter. They didn’t want that smoke in the trenches.”

He followed it up with a social media post that quickly went viral:

“Bama boys soft. Big Blue bullied y’all. Run it back?”

Naturally, this didn’t sit well with several Alabama returnees. Right tackle Elijah Pritchett, expected to anchor the line in 2025, responded during spring availability:

“He can talk all he wants. He ain’t seen this version of us. We remember everything.”

The trash talk has ignited what was already a simmering rivalry. Though Michigan lost several key players—J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum, and Roman Wilson among them—they return a core nucleus that includes Grant, Mason Graham, and cornerback Will Johnson.

For Alabama, the loss still stings. Caleb Downs said it best during the first team meeting in January:

“That game doesn’t define us. But it’s going to fuel us.”

Kalen DeBoer and his staff have not publicly commented on Grant’s remarks, but internally, sources say the game film from the Rose Bowl has been used as motivation throughout spring camp. Strength coach David Ballou reportedly played clips from the game during winter workouts.

The Rematch Everyone Wants

If Alabama and Michigan both handle business in the regular season, a rematch could be inevitable. And with all the off-field chatter, it would be one of the most anticipated games of the decade.

What would a rematch look like?

• Alabama’s offense will look vastly different. Under DeBoer, expect more spread concepts and vertical passing. That could neutralize Michigan’s pass rush and force Grant and company to chase laterally, not bull rush.
• Michigan, meanwhile, will likely lean on defense. New quarterback Alex Orji is talented but unproven. The Wolverines will try to win ugly again.
• Caleb Downs will be the best player on the field—and probably the most motivated. He led the team with 107 tackles in 2024 but wasn’t happy with the outcome in Pasadena.

There’s also the X-factor of revenge. Alabama doesn’t often lose in the playoffs. And when it does? It usually comes back swinging. Ask Clemson what happened after their 2016 win. Alabama obliterated them 24–6 in the 2017 Sugar Bowl. Ask Georgia after 2021. The next two years were defined by Alabama dominance.

 Legacies in the Making

The beauty of college football is that it’s cyclical, but legacy matters. Alabama’s 2023 secondary might go down as the greatest. Domani Jackson could rise—or fall—based on what he does in 2025. And Kenneth Grant’s words may soon become bulletin board material for the Crimson Tide.

One thing is clear: the college football world always gravitates toward Alabama. Whether it’s dominance, drama, or duels, the Tide is always at the center.

This fall, expect no different. Because when Alabama has something to prove, it rarely disappoints.