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The Next Round

Last Call | Alabama Football’s Biggest Problem? NIL, Transfers & Spring Practice Concerns

The Next Round

The Next Round

Football, News, Basketball, Sports, Sports News

4.9890 Ratings

🗓️ 28 February 2026

⏱️ 60 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Former Alabama national championship quarterback Jake Coker joins Mick Gillespie for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of Alabama football, the impact of the transfer portal and NIL, and whether Alabama is investing enough to stay on top in today’s college sports landscape. The discussion opens with a look ahead to Alabama spring practice, including the players Coker is most excited to watch. He talks about both quarterbacks, highlights Jase McClellan as one of the most dynamic athletes on the offense, and explains why McClellan’s loyalty to Alabama stands out in the NIL era. They also break down the biggest concern for the Tide heading into the season: the offensive line, where a lack of continuity could be a major issue. Mick and Jake also share memories from some of their favorite Alabama football games, including the LSU national championship win, the Rocky Stop against Tennessee, Alabama’s title run with Coker, the 2009 SEC Championship Game, and the 1996 Iron Bowl. The conversation also revisits legendary Alabama defensive back George Teague and two of his most iconic football moments. Later, the show takes a strong turn into the changing economics of college athletics. Mick and Jake discuss how NIL, the transfer portal, and overall program spending are reshaping the future of college football. They debate whether Alabama must focus more of its financial resources on revenue-producing sports to avoid slipping behind the national elite. They also dive into Alabama basketball, with praise for Nate Oats and discussion about whether this team can make another deep postseason run. Plus, they touch on roster questions, March expectations, and how this year’s group compares to Alabama’s Final Four squad. If you’re passionate about Alabama Crimson Tide football, SEC football, college football NIL, and the future of Alabama athletics, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Topics covered: Alabama football spring practice preview Jake Coker’s favorite returning Alabama players Alabama offensive line concerns Favorite Alabama football games of all time George Teague’s legendary moments NIL and transfer portal impact on Alabama Program spending and athletic department priorities Alabama basketball, Nate Oats, and NCAA Tournament talk Subscribe for more Alabama football and Alabama basketball coverage. #AlabamaFootball #RollTide #AlabamaCrimsonTide #BamaFootball #SECFootball #CollegeFootball #NIL #TransferPortal #AlabamaBasketball #NateOats #SpringPractice #JaseMcClellan #MickGillespie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

Bama closing in on spring practice.

0:03.9

And we're going to talk about some of the players that we're looking forward to seeing this year

0:08.2

in a crimson tide uniform and then basketball heading to Tennessee.

0:12.0

Huge showdown.

0:13.4

Nate oats.

0:15.1

Dangerous.

0:16.2

Dangerous.

0:16.8

But can Alabama survive Tennessee?

0:18.5

We're going to talk about that right here on our show brought to you by Pearl River Resort.

0:23.0

It's almost March Madness, and I'm telling you guys right now, do what I'm doing next week.

0:28.1

Go to Pearl River Resort, the timeout sports lounge.

0:31.0

You can watch all the NCAA games on the big screen TV, including Alabama.

0:37.1

And you can bet just like you're out in Vegas.

0:39.4

That's where Coker's going to be.

0:42.0

And take advantage of it.

0:43.6

Hour and change from Tuscaloosa, two and change from Birmingham.

0:46.8

Get over there.

0:47.9

And I'm telling you, you got everything you need.

0:49.9

All right, let's get this show started, people.

1:04.5

Yeah. All right. Let's get this show starting. All right, there he is. Jake Coker, the championship quarterback from Alabama,

1:09.0

2015, 10 years ago plus now.

1:13.3

And I'm Mick Gillespie, you're hanging out with the guy.

...

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