they are today because of Saban. He made them great. He made them the top recruit destination. Before Saban nobody was scared of Alabama in the SEC.
Same goes for Dabo. He made them a top destination. Meyer elevated tOSU to their current status. It isn't so much about the program, but the coaches. Why isn't Texas and USC also in the CFP conversation? Those of blue blood programs that can't find the right coaches.