You knew it was coming, the moment the news broke on January 10: When Nick Saban retired as one of the all-time greats to ever coach a college team, some of the Alabama players he recruited were going to jump to the transfer portal.
It’s not necessarily because Kalen DeBoer replaced Saban — he’s a great coach in his own right after what he did at Washington. But when coaching changes happen, players might worry about what the new regime might do, and maybe the appeal was playing for a legend like Saban.
So here’s a look at the players who have transferred since Saban retired:
WR Isaiah Bond
He’s now at Texas
DB Dezz Ricks
He’s now at Texas A&M.
DB Antonio Kite
BREAKING: Alabama transfer DB Antonio Kite has committed to Auburn🦅https://t.co/Kxuv6R3MSL pic.twitter.com/zaTLm95BIP
— On3 (@On3sports) January 17, 2024
He’s now at Auburn.
LB Shawn Murphy
Former Alabama linebacker Shawn Murphy has Committed to Florida State, the A&P Agency tells @247Sports.
Former top-75 overall recruit.https://t.co/oPRuWsmcnt pic.twitter.com/kUIHjCxhQL
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 15, 2024
He’s now at Florida State.
TE Amari Niblack
CB Trey Amos
DB Caleb Downs
OT Kadyn Proctor
DB Jameer Grimsley
UPDATE: Spoke with former Alabama CB Jameer Grimsley and he said Florida & LSU are the schools that stand out to him
The 6’3 187 CB also said he will most likely not take any visits, & just announce a commitment
Top 100 Recruit in the ‘24 Classhttps://t.co/PZwsZKFBkO pic.twitter.com/hA7S5TYFy8
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 18, 2024
QB Julian Sayin
Sources: Alabama freshman quarterback Julian Sayin, the top-ranked quarterback in the class of 2024, intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Sayin is expected to initiate the transfer process on Friday, per sources. pic.twitter.com/TVpwQth7ic
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 19, 2024
