Several Alabama connections remain in the College Football Playoff, despite the state’s teams being eliminated from contention. These ties extend beyond just players, encompassing coaches and staff across multiple semifinal teams.
Most prominently, Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard hails from Baldwin County, Alabama, where he excelled in both football and basketball at Fairhope High School. While a standout athlete, his recruitment was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting his exposure to larger programs. Despite this, he chose Duke, enjoying a breakout sophomore season in 2022 before transferring to Notre Dame, where his grandfather played in the 1940s. Leonard will be playing in the Orange Bowl against Penn State and afterward will participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile. He shares the Notre Dame roster with defensive lineman Howard Cross III, son of former Alabama and NFL tight end Howard Cross Jr. Cross III, who played high school football in New Jersey, has contributed significantly to the Notre Dame defense, though his participation in the Orange Bowl is uncertain due to an ankle injury.
Penn State boasts four players with Alabama high school football experience. Cornerback A.J. Harris, a five-star recruit, transferred from Georgia after playing high school ball at Central-Phenix City and The Glenwood School. Wide receiver Harrison Wallace, a four-year contributor from Pike Road High School, is a key part of the Nittany Lions’ offense. Redshirt freshmen DaKaari Nelson (Selma High School) and Henry Boehme (Mountain Brook) also contribute in backup roles.
Ohio State features three players with Alabama connections. Running back Quinshon Judkins, a former Pike Road star, joined the Buckeyes after two standout seasons at Ole Miss. Safety Caleb Downs transferred from Alabama after a stellar freshman year, earning the Shaun Alexander Award. Freshman quarterback Julian Sayin briefly attended Alabama before transferring to Ohio State.
Finally, Texas boasts the most extensive Alabama connections, with four coaches and two players (plus one recent former player) with in-state ties. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, along with assistants Jeff Banks, Kyle Flood, and A.J. Milwee (a Boaz native and former Alabama walk-on), all have coaching experience with the Crimson Tide. Tight end Amari Niblack and wide receiver Isaiah Bond transferred to Texas from Alabama after the 2023 season, contributing significantly to the Longhorns’ offense. Linebacker Justice Finkley, a Hewitt-Trussville alumnus, recently entered the transfer portal after three seasons with Texas. These widespread connections underscore the enduring influence of Alabama football talent and coaching expertise on the national college football landscape.