The ESPN and SEC Network analyst recently made an appearance on Get Up. When talking about Alabama, he indicated that he believes quarterback Jalen Milroe will be a Heisman Trophy contender.

However, Finebaum also highlighted that he believes the Crimson Tide have a fatal defect that could prohibit them from being national championship contenders in 2024.

“He has enough ability to be a Heisman finalist and to lead Alabama to the playoffs.”@finebaum on Alabama QB Jalen Milroe 🔥 pic.twitter.com/iYvjQIs1KL

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) July 26, 2024

“The problem I have with Alabama is not Jalen Milroe, it’s the defense,” Finebaum added. “The secondary is really weak, and that’s the key to winning huge games at the end, and I don’t think Alabama has enough. They’re a Playoff team, but I don’t think they’re going to win the national championship, even though Jalen Milroe is good enough to lead them.”

The secondary school lost some significant contributors throughout the summer. Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry were top picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, talented freshman safety Caleb Downs transferred to the Ohio State Buckeyes after Nick Saban announced his retirement.

However, the Crimson Tide did try to rebuild in their secondary with a slew of incoming transfers, including the likes of Domani Jackson, Keon Sabb, and DeShawn Jones. They’ll also have a returning safety in Malachi Moore, who played a significant role in Alabama’s defense over the last few seasons.

It’s a new era in Alabama under head coach Kalen DeBoer, but if the secondary can’t get off on the right foot, it might be a tough first season for him and his coaching staff.