Alabama Football vs. Everyone is the final Transfer Portal score.

Add up the scores of the people who came in, went out, and stayed. You could be surprised (in a good way).

The 30-day transfer portal window, which began on the day Nick Saban retired, concluded on February 9. Non-Alabama college football fans, hoping for the Crimson Tide’s decline, often describe a “mass exodus” from Tuscaloosa. However, the final count of 30 players leaving via the Transfer Portal requires a closer look at the quality of departures versus their replacements.

Before Saban’s retirement, 20 Tide players were already in the Transfer Portal, mainly reserves with limited playing time. Post-retirement, 10 more players joined the portal. Evaluating the departures:

Pre-retirement (20 players):
– Some were reserves with limited playing time.
– Two walk-ons.
– Some, like Tyler Buchner and Thaiu Jones-Bell, were unlikely to see significant snaps.

Post-retirement (10 players):
– Included starters like Isaiah Bond and Shawn Murphy.
– Some players, like Trey Amos and Kadyn Proctor, were Freshman All-Americans and starters.
– Caleb Downs and Julian Sayin’s departures were considered significant losses.

Incomings:
– Three transfers before Saban’s departure, including LT Overton, Domani Jackson, and Naquil Betrand.
– Three more transfers after coach DeBoer’s arrival, fixing issues like the center position (Parker Brailsford) and adding depth at QB (Austin Mack) and WR (Germie Bernard).
– Additionally, DeBoer secured commitments from Noah Carter, Ryan Williams, and Quinton Reese.

Analysis:
– Overall, the use of symbols (+), (-), and (+/-) denotes the impact on the team.
– (+) indicates non-significant losses; Alabama loaded up on incoming freshmen.
– (+/-) represents unknown potential.
– (-) denotes significant losses; Downs is viewed as a considerable loss for Alabama in 2024.
– Alabama appears in the profit column, with replacements for most departures.

Notable departures:
– Isaiah Bond: Replaced by junior Germie Bernard, who had 752 all-purpose yards.
– Caleb Downs: A significant loss for Alabama in 2024; Kirby Smart now has a $1.3 million cornerbacks coach.
– Julian Sayin: Mack, brought in by DeBoer, is highly regarded by the new coaching staff.
– Amari Niblack: Freshman Caleb Odom is expected to contribute.

Conclusion:
Despite 30 players leaving the portal, Alabama seems well-positioned with incoming talent, addressing specific needs, and minimizing significant losses, with Downs being the primary exception.