Nick Saban’s retirement from Alabama was always going to have an impact on the sport, whenever it happened. However, the programme has been scrutinised for keeping players since he announced his resignation on January 10—nine days after the Crimson Tide’s defeat to Michigan in a national semifinal of the College Football Playoffs in the Rose Bowl Game.
Since the release on January 19, ten Alabama players have accessed the transfer site; the three biggest departures are offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, wide receiver Isaiah Bond, and safety Caleb Downs.
Whenever it happened, Nick Saban’s retirement from Alabama was bound to have an effect on the sport. But since he announced his departure on January 10—nine days after the Crimson Tide’s loss to Michigan in a national semifinal of the College Football Playoffs in the Rose Bowl Game—the program’s ability to retain players has come under scrutiny.
Ten Alabama athletes have entered the transfer site since it was made public on January 19. Of them, offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, wide receiver Isaiah Bond, and safety Caleb Downs are the three most notable exits.
Bond, who subsequently transferred to Texas, was most likely the main factor in Alabama’s 2023 College Football Playoff appearance. His 31-yard touchdown reception on a fourth-and-goal play against Auburn helped the Crimson Tide win the Iron Bowl 27–24. With 48 receptions for 668 yards and four touchdowns, he topped the club in receiving yards.
In 13 games during the previous season, Shawn Murphy made three tackles for Alabama (two solo). He was the best inside linebacker of that cycle and finished 37th overall in the 2022 ESPN 300.
Ricks redshirted in 2023 despite being 19th in the 2023 ESPN 300 (No. 2 CB). On October 22, 2022, the IMG Academy product was reclassified into the 2023 cycle and inked an early signing deal with Alabama.
Kite entered the 2022 ESPN 300 ranked 119th overall, having graduated from Anniston High School in Alabama. In 2023, he participated in seven games, primarily on special teams.
