After Alabama suffered its worst loss in modern history when it was defeated 38–3 by Indiana in the Rose Bowl, former players haven’t been shy about speaking up. Legend Reggie Ragland recently called out the team for being ‘checked out’ before the final whistle. He said they weren’t living up to the “Bama Standard” of old-school toughness. However, Reggie Ragland’s definition of ‘Alabama standard’ didn’t sit well with Nick Saban’s first natty-winning QB at Alabama, Greg McElroy.

McElroy feels that the entire “Bama Standard” and how it is covered is a little misleading and perhaps misunderstood. “But this whole ‘standard’ thing, to me, is a bit misleading,” Nick Saban’s protégé said on the McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning podcast. “Like, the standard is just do your best. Like, be the best version of you, and not worry so much about 2016 or ’15 or ’12 or ’11 or ’09, or any of the teams that went on and won championships before you. Just be you.”

He explained that people often mistake it for an impossible requirement to copy the exact results of legendary championship teams from a decade ago. He thinks that’s the wrong way to look at it and is actually pretty misleading for the young players on the roster today.

He did agree with Ragland in certain aspects of his criticism of the Bama’s performance against Indiana, but ultimately, McElroy backed the team.

“I think some of his criticism, especially as it pertained to the Indiana game, was fair,” McElroy said. “I also think when you look at what that team had to go through last year, and whether it’s starting week one with Florida State, the gauntlet they ran, the comeback against Oklahoma at the end, being beat up in the SEC title game, just not having your best stuff and playing against a good, physical Georgia football team. I think they were just out of gas. I think they were just dead. I really believe that.”

He even reminded fans that even the “greatest” Bama teams, like the 2018 group that lost to Clemson, have had their “will broken” before. It’s just part of football.

McElroy’s version is all about being the “best version of you” and giving your absolute best effort every day. He wants players to stop worrying about winning a trophy just because a team did it ten years ago and instead focus on their own individual excellence and growth.

In the end, McElroy wants the 2026 Alabama team to play with what he calls “juvenile freedom” rather than being weighed down by history. He recently went back to Tuscaloosa to talk to the team directly about this, encouraging them to ignore the outside noise and just focus on being the best team they can be under the new “DeboEra.”

However, that one loss against Indiana doesn’t erase Bama’s legacy because the ‘Bama Standard’ has ensured that multiple alumni are playing in today’s Super Bowl on both teams.

Alabama DNA all over the Super Bowl

Alabama is absolutely dominating the roster count for Super Bowl LX today. With seven former players suited up for the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, the Crimson Tide has more alumni in this game than any other college program in the country.

The Seattle Seahawks are carrying the biggest group of Tide stars with four players on their roster. Leading the way is cornerback Josh Jobe, who has been a machine this season with a career-high 54 tackles.

You’ll also want to keep an eye out for rookie Jalen Milroe. He might come for a snap or two if dual-threat services are required from him. Rounding out the Seattle squad are veteran nose tackle Jarran Reed and rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts.

Over on the New England Patriots’ side, three more Alabama standouts are looking to grab a ring. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore is the big name to watch here. He’s been one of the most disruptive interior linemen in the league this year. He racked up 29 tackles. Then you have the likes of linebacker Anfernee Jennings and rookie tight end C.J. Dippre.

If you’re planning to watch these Bama greats battle it out, the game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. CT) on NBC. Regardless of how this one’s going to go, Bama faithful are going to have an absolute weekend.