Nick Saban warned college football about what the NCAA transfer portal would do to collegiate programs if it became a reality.
Some laughed at him, but the Alabama head coach turned out to be right. The rich have gotten rich, and others have not competed at the highest level. Several players have entered the portal looking for new homes in college football.
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The University of Alabama has recruited a very good signing class for 2024.
Coach Saban like the character of players in the class, but he has not ruled out looking in the portal.
Alabama’s had success acquiring elite talent from the portal, including Jahmyr Gibbs (running back), Jameson Williams (wide receiver), and Jermaine Burton (wide receiver). Gibbs and Williams were highly impactful for the Tide as transfers. Gibbs totaled 926 rushing yards, 444 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns in 2022, assisting Alabama to an Allstate Sugar Bowl victory over Kansas State. Williams came to the Tide from Ohio State in 2021. He posted 79 receptions for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns, aiding Alabama to a Southeastern Conference Championship and a College Football Playoff berth in 2021. Burton, a former Georgia transfer, came to Alabama in 2022 from the portal. He helped the Tide to an SEC Championship this season and the program is back in the CFP. Alabama pulled in an edge rusher from the portal as LT Overton comes over from Texas A&M.
Saban highlighted to Pat McAfee on his show about how the Tide attacks the transfer portal.
“We look at the transfer portal a lot like free agency..
We’re really searching to try and find players that will compliment our roster”
Coach Saban #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Rd2FLPaL2u
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 21, 2023
“We look at the transfer portal a lot like free agency,” Saban said. “We’re really searching to try and find players that will compliment our roster.”
Alabama loses Burton to the NFL Draft after this season and has lost Ja’Corey Brooks (Louisville) and Thaiu Jones-Bell to the transfer portal. Evan Stewart, a former five-star wide receiver, is in the portal. He committed in Texas A&M’s top-ranked 2022 signing class. Stewart has marquee experience in the SEC and is a big-time playmaker. Alabama could look at him in the portal.
The Tide losing JC Latham to the NFL Draft at right tackle. It could like Elijah Pritchett into the role or Saban could pull someone from the transfer portal. We will see how Alabama goes about its business, but it’s gearing up for the Rose Bowl.
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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.
