For the past two decades, the Alabama football program has housed some of the most extraordinary talent in the country, winning six titles and posting two undefeated seasons during that stretch. The Crimson Tide have routinely churned out elite football players, and the expectation remains that the star-studded roster will again compete for a title in 2024. However, one non-Power Five coach believes the Crimson Tide have unethically added to their roster this offseason.
Miami (OH) RedHawks head coach Chuck Martin did not hold back on the Alabama football brass when discussing the transfer of former team kicker Graham Nicholson to the SEC power. A redshirt senior, Nicholson transferred to Alabama this offseason after three seasons with Miami (OH).
Miami (OH) RedHawks HC Chuck Martin: Sounds off on Alabama Football
According to Miami (OH) RedHawks head coach Chuck Martin, the Alabama football program should be investigated and disciplined for the “illegal recruiting” of kicker Graham Nicholson. Martin believes Alabama and head coach Kalen DeBoer did not act in good faith regarding the transfer portal addition of Nicholson.
“We didn’t lose him, he’s at Alabama. We know exactly where he’s at… Alabama stole our kicker. They illegally recruited our kicker and stole him from us. Thats a fact.”
Miami (OH) HC Chuck Martin kept it real
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) August 22, 2024
“We didn’t lose him. He’s at Alabama. We know exactly where he’s at… Again, you media people, it’s all pretend. Alabama stole our kicker. They illegally recruited our kicker and stole him from us. That’s a fact,” said Miami (OH) RedHawks head coach Chuck Martin. He continued, emphatically saying again, “Alabama stole our kicker.”
The NCAA has primarily done away with transfer portal penalties in recent years, specifically those regarding the players. Previously, non-graduate student-athletes were required to sit a year after transferring. Last offseason, one-time and two-time transfers were deemed immediately eligible for the upcoming 2024 season.
Graham Nicholson: Joins Alabama Football
After three seasons with the Miami (OH) RedHawks, kicker Graham Nicholson will play for the Alabama football program next fall. Nicholson started each of his previous three seasons with the Miami (OH), making 97-of-104 of his extra points. As a freshman in 2021, Nicholson went 15-of-20 on field goals, including posting 31 touchbacks on 66 kickoffs. As a sophomore, the six-foot kicker made 18-of-23 field goals, highlighted by a season-long 49-yard make.
Last season, Nicholson had his best season, making 96.4% of his field goals (27-of-28). The 2023 Lou Groza Award Winner earned All-American honors while setting an NCAA record with 25 straight made field goals.
Alabama Football: 2024 Transfer Portal
Alongside superstar kicker Graham Nicholson, the Alabama football program has added other talent via the transfer portal. Most notably, Alabama added former five-star prospect Kadyn Proctor and 2023 second-team All Pac-12 honoree Parker Brailsford. Alabama also improved their defense by adding former USC defensive back Domani Jackson and six-foot-five, 285-pound pass rusher LT Overton.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Alabama has the sixth-best odds to win the College Football Playoff, trailing only the Georgia Bulldogs, Ohio State Buckeyes, Oregon Ducks, and Texas Longhorns.
For More Football News:
For More Football News and to dive into the excitement, follow me on Twitter at @alec_musa. Let’s get the conversation rolling! I’m all ears for your thoughts and insights. You can also reach out to me via email at musaalec@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest college and NFL news, click here!
