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Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15

What to watch for in 2016: Rising Michigan; Texas hot seats

Alabama head coach Nick Saban and players celebrate after the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Clemson, Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. Alabama won 45-40. (David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via AP) MARICOPA COUNTY OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT
Alabama head coach Nick Saban and players celebrate after the NCAA college football playoff championship game against Clemson, Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. Alabama won 45-40. (David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via AP) MARICOPA COUNTY OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) – There is no reason to ask whether Alabama can contend for another national championship under Nick Saban in 2016.

It is practically a foregone conclusion. Alabama has become the surest thing in sports.

In the last seven years, Nick Saban’s team has won more national championships than it hasn’t and only once lost more than two games.

Next season, the Tide will probably go into the season as No. 1. Maybe No. 2.

The next wave of Alabama stars could include running back Bo Scarbrough and quarterback Blake Barnett. The Tide will lose a small army of talent to the NFL draft and then reload with another platoon of five-star recruits.