The transfer portal has opened up new possibilities for student-athletes, and it seems that Alabama’s football program is not immune to its effects. As the Crimson Tide’s playoff aspirations take center stage, a surprising entry has emerged from Tuscaloosa: sophomore quarterback Tyler Buchner, who transferred to Alabama from Notre Dame earlier this year, has now re-entered the portal, but this time as a lacrosse player. This means that Buchner will be eligible to play lacrosse immediately at his next school, while a return to football would require him to sit out for a year due to not having graduated.
Interestingly, before committing to football, Buchner was a highly touted lacrosse player. Back in middle school, he committed to play lacrosse at the University of Michigan, and he even gained attention for his impressive skills, including clocking a shot at 100 mph in seventh grade. With his lacrosse background and previous success in the sport, Buchner could potentially draw interest from lacrosse programs.
In addition to Buchner, wide receiver Thaiu Jones-Bell has also made a portal decision. The class of 2020 recruit did not play this season due to a medical issue that was disclosed at the beginning of preseason camp in August.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban has made it clear that he is open to discussing the future plans of his players, whether it involves transferring, declaring for the NFL Draft, or returning to the team. With the playoffs on the horizon, the focus for the coaching staff will shift to roster management and finishing up on the high school recruiting trail before early signing day on December 20.
While Playoff teams have historically not seen much player movement leading up to the games, Alabama may still be active in the transfer portal. Last season, the team secured tight end CJ Dippre from Maryland in December, even while competing in the playoffs. This year, with Alabama once again in the playoffs, there may be opportunities to host players from other programs, secure commitments, and add veterans that can supplement the roster.
The Tide may have some specific position groups in mind for potential additions. In terms of running backs, Alabama will likely lose its two leading rushers, Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, leaving only three scholarship running backs on the roster. A lack of depth at this position could pose challenges for the team, both in terms of functionality in practice and in actual gameplay. With no running back commitments in the 2024 recruiting class, Alabama may consider targeting running backs in the transfer portal to address this need.
Linebacker is another position where Alabama may seek to add veteran presence. While the team has a promising young core, the departure of experienced players and potential departures after the season could create a void in terms of production and experience. Adding a proven veteran presence to the linebacker group could help maintain the high level of talent and performance for which Alabama is known.
The wide receiver position has also seen some attrition in recent years, with several signees from the 2020-2022 recruiting classes no longer with the team. Senior Jermaine Burton is likely to enter the NFL Draft after this season, further thinning the ranks. While the team has good depth at the position, further attrition is always a possibility. Alabama has only two high school receiver commitments, so the program may look to the transfer portal to bolster its receiving corps.
Lastly, the secondary may also be an area of focus for Alabama in the transfer portal. With potential departures after the season, the team has responded on the recruiting trail by securing commitments from some of the top defensive back prospects. However, adding seasoned veterans to the mix could provide valuable experience and depth to supplement the young talent already in place.
As the College Football Playoff looms, Alabama will balance its focus on the field with the need to navigate the transfer portal and recruit new talent. While the team aims to secure another national championship, it recognizes the importance of keeping an eye on potential player movement and taking advantage of opportunities to strengthen the roster. The upcoming weeks will prove crucial as the coaches manage roster decisions and prepare for the playoffs and beyond.
