4 burning questions for College Football Playoff teams heading into 2022

Alabama has made the playoff seven times in eight years

1. Does Bill O’Brien return as offensive coordinator?

The talk of O’Brien to Jacksonville is waiting, but the former Houston Texans head coach could still land in the NFL. Head coach Nick Saban could hire internally with either wide receiver’s coach Holmon Wiggins, offensive line coach Doug Marone, and running backs coach Robert Gillespie.

Whoever runs the offense will have an embarrassment of riches to scheme with next season. In addition to Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, Jahmyr Gibbs transfers from Georgia Tech. Gibbs joins Trey Sanders and Camar Wheaton (who returns from injury) in the running back room.

Jermaine Burton transfers in from Georgia at wide receiver as well. There is a lot of talent in Tuscaloosa for any offensive coordinator.

2. Can the wide receivers mature next season?

Injuries caught up with the Crimson Tide in the playoff. Wide receiver John Metchie tore his Achilles before the game, and fellow receiver Jameson Williams sustained a knee injury. Alabama’s young receivers were not up to the task against Georgia’s stout defense.

John Metchie, Williams, and Slade Bolden have all declared for the NFL draft. That means the receiving corps will look completely different next season, featuring these young but talented wideouts.

Ja’Corey Brooks, a five-star from IMG in Florida, is the next in line. Brooks has it all, except experience. JoJo Earle, a four-star from Texas, is one of the fastest players in the country. Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton will help solidify the corps and bring some competition to grow these young, talented receivers.

3. How good will the defense be next season?

Much like the offense, the defense is relatively young. Defensive ends Phidarian Mathis and LaBryan Ray, defensive backs Josh Jobe and Daniel Wright, and linebacker Christopher Allen leave for the draft.

That means almost everyone is back. Everyone is raving about Texas A&M’s recruiting class this cycle; the record they broke, Alabama set just last season. Many of those freshmen played a lot this season because of injuries.

Of all the players returning, Will Anderson is the most important. Anderson is the best player on the team and the catalyst for the defense. Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Pete Golding should be happy with the defense’s potential next season.

4. Is there a contender in the SEC West?

The short answer is no. It will take the LSU Tigers at least another season under new head coach Brian Kelly to get the players he needs and add talent depth. Jimbo Fisher and the Texas A&M Aggies hauled in a banner class, but they are young.

In addition, QB1 has not been solidified in College Station. LSU transfer Max Johnson is in the mix for the job alongside Haynes King. Mississippi is intriguing with the addition of Zach Evans. The Rebels would be even more interesting if they land JT Daniels in the portal.

That said, look for the Tide to roll in the West on their way to a rematch with Georgia.