C.J. Stroud proclaims Alabama to be King in the absence of Saban and tells Cam Newton that “Auburn Sucks.”
For the first time in more than 15 years, Alabama will take the field without Nick Saban as their head coach this coming season. Though the greatest college football coach in history is no longer employed full-time by the program, C.J. Stroud is skeptical that the Crimson Tide will suffer a significant setback in 2024–2025.
In fact, he expressed his confidence during a recent appearance on Cam Newton’s podcast, The 4th and 1, that Kalen DeBoer’s first season in charge will surpass Hugh Freeze’s second year at Auburn. Stroud declared categorically that the Tigers are “bad.”
In reality, the former Ohio State signal-caller was never given the opportunity to play for Alabama in college. That doesn’t stop him from appreciating how excellent the program is.
Stroud responded angrily to Newton’s jab regarding his time at the Buckeyes, citing his alma mater’s lack of success. It was a brief jab aimed at the host.
In response, the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner said that Nick Saban is no longer the head coach in Tuscaloosa, giving Auburn a genuine chance. In his opinion, DeBoer and his program can be challenged by Freeze and the Tigers.
Newton’s connections to Auburn played a role in the conversation. Stroud purposely applied extra punishment to his program. It’s a fun television show.
However, he dismissed the Tigers rather quickly as well.
The NFL’s current Offensive Rookie of the Year, Newton, does not think Freeze can take his team back to the glory days of the Newton offense. It will be interesting to see if Stroud is correct in his assessment, as he is most definitely not alone in it.
In 2024–2025, Alabama has the opportunity to demonstrate that it is here to stay. Any sort of downturn will energize the SEC and make other programs feel as optimistic as Newton did.
