Greg McElroy: Alabama could be darkhorse national title contender

Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, August 26th 2025 at 13:13 GMT by on3.com
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Alabama Could Be the Darkhorse of the National Title Picture, Says Former Crimson Tide Quarterback Greg McElroy

When the 2024 college‑football landscape takes shape, one name that keeps coming up in discussions of the unexpected championship contenders is former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy. In a recent interview published by On3, the former Crimson Tide starter—who led the team to a national title in 2014 and then spent a season in the NFL—laid out why he believes the Tide should not be underestimated and could very well emerge as a darkhorse in the quest for another national championship.

A Veteran’s Viewpoint

McElroy’s own journey through Alabama’s ranks gives him a unique lens. He came to Tuscaloosa as a highly‑touted recruit, shared the field with backup QB Tua Tagovailoa in 2014, and then stepped into the starting role in 2015 after an injury to Jalen Hurts. “We were the kids who played in the trenches,” McElroy says. “I learned how to run the playbook, how to make quick decisions, and how to adapt when a teammate gets hurt.”

His experience isn’t just limited to the field. After a brief stint in the NFL, McElroy returned to Tuscaloosa as a coach‑in‑training and later a media analyst. That combination of player insight and coaching perspective, he argues, provides a holistic understanding of how Alabama is positioned to tackle the upcoming SEC season.

Why “Darkhorse” Matters

The term “darkhorse” is often reserved for teams that, despite lacking hype or preseason hype, have the talent and coaching staff to outperform expectations. McElroy’s argument centers on three key points:

Depth and Talent
Alabama’s roster is deep at every position. The offensive line, led by a trio of first‑team All‑SEC linemen, is one of the strongest in the conference. On offense, the quarterback room is a blend of seasoned veterans and promising rookies. “The backup depth is top‑tier,” McElroy notes, “so we’re not just riding the talent of the starters; we have the pipeline ready.”
Coaching Stability
Head coach Nick Saban remains the same, and his staff—especially offensive coordinator J.D. McKissick—has been consistent in philosophy and execution. “Coaching is the glue that holds everything together,” McElroy says. “When the front office, coaching staff, and players align, that’s when you see a team rise.”
Learning Curve
Unlike many teams that must build from scratch, Alabama’s system has a proven track record. Even if they start the season with a stumble, they can learn and adjust quickly, which is essential in the congested schedule of the SEC. “We’re not in a rebuilding mode; we’re in a competitive mode. The first few games are always going to be adjustments, but the structure is there.”

Acknowledging the Challenges

McElroy doesn’t paint a rosy picture by ignoring potential setbacks. He stresses the importance of health and depth on the defensive side of the ball. “If a key defender goes down early, the entire scheme shifts,” he says. The defense, while solid, has yet to match the offensive firepower of some of its SEC rivals. “We’ve got to keep the ball in the air, run the clock, and rely on the defense to finish the play,” McElroy cautions.

Another point McElroy raises is the competition level in the SEC. Georgia, Clemson, and even Florida have shown they can beat Alabama in recent seasons. Yet, he believes Alabama’s roster has the “firepower” to match and exceed them. “We have the talent and the coaching to out‑perform,” he asserts.

Potential Path to the National Title

McElroy outlines the route Alabama would have to navigate to claim the national championship. In the SEC Championship game, a victory would almost automatically slot the team into a top‑four spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rotation. From there, facing a team like Georgia or the eventual CFP #2, the Tide would have to produce a dominant performance. He emphasizes that the Tide’s offense, when functioning at its full potential, can dismantle any defense.

In a follow‑up interview linked in the On3 article, McElroy also discusses the significance of the team’s “win‑or‑lose” mentality. He explains that Alabama’s culture emphasizes “always finishing the job.” The question, he says, is whether the players and coaches can maintain focus through the long, grueling season.

The Bottom Line

Greg McElroy’s analysis, grounded in personal experience and a deep understanding of the Alabama football program, makes a compelling case for the Tide to be viewed as a darkhorse national title contender. He’s not just calling the team a favorite; he’s acknowledging that they have the depth, coaching stability, and learning curve that allow them to stay competitive in a conference where only a few teams truly match their talent level.

For those following the 2024 college‑football season, McElroy’s perspective offers a cautionary reminder that the Tide is still a serious threat—especially when it comes to delivering under pressure and maintaining a high standard of play. While other programs may be hyped in preseason polls, the Crimson Tide’s blend of talent, experience, and coaching might just prove to be the surprise package that could end up in the national title conversation.

For further reading, check the linked profiles: Greg McElroy’s player page, the Alabama Crimson Tide roster, and the official SEC season schedule.

Read the Full on3.com Article at:
[ https://www.on3.com/college/alabama-crimson-tide/news/greg-mcelroy-alabama-could-be-darkhorse-national-title-contender/ ]

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