One reason why Allstate Sugar Bowl prep has been enjoyable for Alabama head coach Nick Saban is the Crimson Tide has players that are locked in for Saturday’s matchup against Kansas State in New Orleans, La.
On Friday, Coach Saban was asked about will a 12-team College Football Playoff fix the current climate of the sport. People are concerned about NIL and the transfer portal, but Saban’s focus is on the players with him now. Alabama had several athletes to enter the transfer portal — including 12 to 13 scholarship names — in November and December.
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“We did not have any opt outs, but we had like 10 guys that got in the transfer portal,” he said.
“I gave them the opportunity to play in the bowl game if they wanted to, and they did not. I don’t know if that is a good thing for players not to have to stay committed to their team for an entire season. So, there are a lot of things in college football I think that … transfer portal has created a challenge for us in terms of how to manage rosters.”
The names that transferred from Alabama include Khyree Jackson (cornerback), Trey Sanders (running back), Aaron Anderson (wide receiver), Traeshon Holden (wide receiver), Christian Leary (wide receiver), JoJo Earle (wide receiver), Tommy Brockermeyer (offensive lineman), Javion Cohen (offensive lineman), Amari Kight (offensive lineman), Damieon George Jr. (offensive lineman), Tanner Bowles (offensive lineman), Jack Martin (placekicker), Braylen Ingraham (defensive lineman).
Saban said NIL and the portal are aspects that need parameters in the sport versus a 12-team playoff.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
