Alabama football portal tracker after Nick Saban retired

Whenever it came, Nick Saban’s retirement from Alabama was always going to reverberate across the sport. But since deciding to step down on Jan. 10 — nine days after the Crimson Tide lost to Michigan in a College Football Playoff national semifinal in the Rose Bowl Game — the program has been on watch with regard to retaining players.

As of Jan. 19, 10 Alabama players have entered the transfer portal since the announcement — with safety Caleb Downs, wide receiver Isaiah Bond and offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor among the biggest defections.

New coach Kalen DeBoer ascended to one of the biggest jobs in the country after going 25-3 in two years at Washington, a tenure capped by a trip to the CFP national title game. Looking ahead to how DeBoer, who owns a 104-12 career record as a head coach, handles the SEC recruiting scene will be fascinating to watch.

Below is a chronological list of Alabama players who have entered the transfer portal since Saban’s announcement on Jan. 10:

Isaiah Bond | Sophomore | Wide receiver

Entered portal: Jan. 12
New school: Committed to Texas on Jan. 14

Bond, who has since transferred to Texas, was probably the biggest reason Alabama made the College Football Playoff in 2023. His 31-yard TD catch on a fourth-and-goal against Auburn propelled the Crimson Tide to a 27-24 win in the Iron Bowl. He led the team with 48 receptions to go with 668 yards and four scores.

Shawn Murphy | Redshirt freshman | Linebacker

Entered portal: Jan. 13
New school: Committed to Florida State on Jan. 15

Shawn Murphy played 13 games for Alabama last season and recorded three tackles (two solo). He was 37th overall in the 2022 ESPN 300 and that cycle’s top inside linebacker.