"They’re still a powerhouse": Alabama DB Domani Jackson spills the beans on why he stuck with the Crimson Tide after Nick Saban’s departure

Domani Jackson transferred to Alabama from USC following the conclusion of the 2023 college football regular season. He was spotted at the Crimson Tide practice ahead of the Rose Bowl before transferring to the program ahead of the playoff semifinal against Michigan.

Following the unexpected exit of Nick Saban from Alabama after the Rose Bowl game, Jackson had the opportunity to transfer out of the program. However, he stayed on with the conviction that the Crimson Tide remains a powerhouse.

"Truthfully, the A doesn’t change," Jackson said, speaking to the media Tuesday for the first time since transferring. "They’re still a powerhouse and run college football. I just wanted to have a change and reset my college career, and I just felt like this was the best opportunity for me."

Domani Jackson expresses confidence in Kalen DeBoer

While Domani Jackson won't get to play under Nick Saban at Alabama, the cornerback is confident in the ability of Kalen DeBoer, who arrived at the program in January. Having played against Washington during his time with the Trojans, he knows what DeBoer can do.

"I played against him, so I knew what they were capable of," Jackson said. "You can just go down his road. He’s a winning coach. I knew the coaches he was going to bring in were going to be great.”

Jackson recorded 32 tackles and three passes defended last season at USC. Though injuries have plagued his career thus far, he enters 2024 feeling healthy and ready to make an impact.

Domani Jackson to take the leadership role in the cornerback room

Domani Jackson is one of the most experienced players in a cornerback room now dominated by freshmen Zabien Brown, Jaylen Mbakwe and Zavier Mincey. He naturally fits into a leadership role and is set to bring both stability and guidance to the young unit.

"I’m the vet of the group, so I tell them what I see, what to do, what not to do and just give them knowledge of the game," Jackson said.

Jackson is set to make an immediate impact as a starter in Tuscaloosa with last season's top cornerbacks, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold, now in the NFL. Backup options like Antonio Kite and Trey Amos have also transferred away from the program this offseason.