Pete Thamel: Alabama stars Bryce Young, Will Anderson to play in Sugar Bowl, not opt out

Alabama will have two of the best players in college football available for the Sugar Bowl against Kansas State as quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson Jr. are both going to play, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, and Anderson, the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, were the two biggest question marks for the Crimson Tide going into the game. Now, there’s an answer, and one that Alabama will love.

ESPN’s Chris Low reported shortly after the news broke that Alabama and head coach Nick Saban don’t anticipate any opt outs for the Sugar Bowl.

Anderson recently discussed enjoying the extra rest ahead of the Sugar Bowl

Even Anderson enjoys a little rest and relaxation time and time again.

It’s been a consistent grind for the Alabama star throughout the 2022 season, but the linebacker has a couple of weeks between the end of the regular season and the Crimson Tide’s Sugar Bowl matchup with Kansas State. During a recent interview, Anderson spoke regarding his time off, and how it’s been helping his mental.

“Just to get a little bit of rest in and working out a little bit before I got on the road,” stated Anderson. “Just to make sure you know, I was still good. They sent me with a few things to do. But it’s been good.

“This little bit, getting this mental headspace in. Getting ready to get my mind back right.”

After the Sugar Bowl, it’ll be a constant journey of getting ready for the 2023 NFL Draft for Anderson. While he hasn’t declared just yet, it would be shocking to see the potential No. 1 overall pick return to Tuscaloosa for another season.

Alas, it’s easy to see why Will Anderson is enjoying his rest at the moment, and nobody can blame him.