Predominantly the loss of Saban who also saw the bullshit rule changes for what they were and called it quits. But really a playoff spot and the trophy has been so watered down it doesn't hold much weight anymore. It's nolonger about building and developing a team and talent over a period of a kids college career and winning regular season games for a limited shot at a title. It's about ratings, money, and what players the universities collective can buy with NIL funds so that people don't get their panties in a wad when they didn't earn a spot.
To be honest though I haven't watched a single snap of college football since the championship game last year. Women's rugby has far more grit and athleticism without all the "my vagina hurts" targeting rules in the NCAA. And they do it without pads or helmets. It's sad that women's rugby is more football than what American football has become.