Nick Saban discusses expectations for newcomers, incoming transfers

With the emergence of the transfer portal as a way to build rosters each season, Nick Saban has several newcomers to add into the mix of incoming five-star prospects this year. While some big names remain available, Alabama already has a haul capable of contributing in 2022.

Before playing in the Regions Tradition Pro-Am golf tournament on Wednesday, Nick Saban provided the expectations he has set for newcomers – both from the transfer portal and recruiting trail.

“For the guys that were there in the spring, we know exactly what they’ll be able to contribute,” Saban told reporters Wednesday morning from the Greystone Golf and Country Club in Birmingham. “For the new players we’ve added to the team since then, whether they’re incoming freshmen or transfers, are guys we’ll evaluate over the summer and have a better idea of how they can contribute to the team. But it’s always been our philosophy not to take somebody that’s not going to make a positive impact on our team.”

Alabama has already added multiple SEC transfers in Jermaine Burton, Eli Ricks and Tyler Steen, along with ACC transfers Jahmyr Gibbs and Tyler Harrell. In addition, the recruiting class featured four five-star recruits and several more top 100 players at a variety of positions.

Nick Saban on NIL legislation

Nick Saban also provided his latest take on the state of college football and NIL legislation.

“College football has always created a parity with players and competition, which I think every league already has, whether it’s with the NFL salary cap or whatever. And you know, now, I think NIL is great for the players, they should have an opportunity to earn money – I’m fine with all that – but if we don’t maintain some level of parity,” Saban told reporters Wednesday morning prior to his round at the Regions Tradition Pro-Am charity tournament at the Greystone Golf and Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama. “We’ve always had the same (number of) scholarships, same Alston money, same cost of attendance, same academic support, same medical attention for everybody. And if we don’t create that balance, I think it’s going to affect the competitive standard of the game in the future, and probably affect other sports. So hopefully somebody will be able to figure that out.”

Alabama has made the most of the transfer portal since its creation, adding several key players in positions of need. This year’s group includes multiple wide receivers, along with other reinforcements across the roster.