After Nick Saban's retirement in January, the Alabama football landscape underwent a significant transformation. The extra transfer portal window provided players with new opportunities, and many took advantage of it. This article will take a closer look at how the players who left UA after Saban's retirement performed in 2024.

Unraveling the Fates of Alabama Football's Departed Stars

Isaiah Bond - WR

In 2023, Isaiah Bond etched his name in Alabama lore with his remarkable 4th-and-31 Iron Bowl-winning catch. However, once Saban retired, he became the first to leave. Bond soon committed to Texas and joined former UA offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian in Austin. Throughout the season, he caught 33 passes for 532 yards and five touchdowns. The Longhorns will face Clemson at home in the first round of the College Football Playoff after losing the SEC championship game against Georgia.Bond's performance showcases his ability to make big plays in crucial moments. His catch in the Iron Bowl was a defining moment for the team and his subsequent transfer to Texas has allowed him to continue his football journey on a different stage.

Shawn Murphy - LB

The reserve linebacker, Shawn Murphy, made five tackles in two seasons for the Crimson Tide. Last offseason, he joined a group of Alabama players who headed to Florida State. However, the Seminoles underperformed after their successful 2023 season where they were spurned from the CFP in favor of Alabama. Murphy played in four games for Florida State and totaled 13 tackles.Murphy's time at Florida State has been a bit of a mixed bag. While he has shown some potential on the field, the team's overall performance has not lived up to expectations. His transfer to Florida State was a move in search of more playing time and a chance to prove himself at a different level.

Dezz Ricks - DB

As a true freshman in 2023, Dezz Ricks saw action in two games for Alabama. After Saban's retirement, he moved within the SEC and landed at Texas A&M. In 2024, he played in all of TAMU's games and started seven. Ricks finished the regular season with 18 total tackles and an interception. The Aggies will face Southern Cal in the Las Vegas Bowl to end the season.Ricks' development from a freshman to a key contributor for Texas A&M is a testament to his talent and hard work. His interception in the regular season was a crucial play for the team and his performance has shown that he has the potential to be a standout player in the SEC.

Antonio Kite - DB

Antonio Kite became a rare Alabama-to-Auburn transfer after Saban's retirement. In 2024, he had five tackles and an interception for the Tigers. He also scored a special teams touchdown but was dismissed from the team in October. He plans to re-enter the transfer portal.Kite's transfer to Auburn was a bold move that showed his desire to play at a different level. His performance with the Tigers was promising, but his dismissal from the team has left his future uncertain. His time at Auburn has been a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences.

Trey Amos - DB

With Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold moving on to the NFL, Trey Amos was set to take over a starting cornerback role if he had stayed at Alabama. Instead, he transferred within the SEC and joined Lane Kiffin and Pete Golding at Ole Miss. Amos finished the regular season with 47 total tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble. He projects as an early-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.Amos' transfer to Ole Miss has been a successful one. His performance on the field has been outstanding, and he has shown that he has the potential to be a top-notch cornerback in the NFL. His ability to make plays and contribute on special teams has made him a valuable asset for the Rebels.

Amari Niblack - TE

In 2023, Amari Niblack showed serious potential for Alabama. However, after transferring to Texas, his potential largely went unfulfilled. He finished 2024 with five catches for 33 yards and has mostly been the third tight end on the depth chart.Niblack's transfer to Texas was a move in search of more playing time and a chance to showcase his skills. While he has had some opportunities to play, he has not been able to establish himself as a key contributor at the tight end position. His time at Texas will be a learning experience as he continues to develop his game.

Caleb Downs - DB

Perhaps the hardest loss for Alabama fans to swallow was Caleb Downs hitting the portal after an outstanding 2023 season where he was one of the best freshmen in the nation. He went to Ohio State and continued his elite-level play. The Buckeyes are in the College Football Playoff field.Downs' performance at Ohio State has been nothing short of remarkable. His 61 total tackles, including 6.5 for loss, and his interception and three pass breakups have made him a key player for the Buckeyes. His departure from Alabama was a blow to the team, but he has thrived at Ohio State.

Jameer Grimsley - DB

Jameer Grimsley never actually played for Alabama. He signed as an early enrollee in the 2024 class and participated in Rose Bowl practices before entering the portal and heading to Florida.Grimsley's brief time with Alabama was cut short due to his transfer decision. His move to Florida will give him a chance to showcase his skills at a different level and continue his football journey.

Julian Sayin - QB

Julian Sayin signed with Alabama and participated in CFP semifinal practice in Los Angeles before portaling after the coaching change. He landed with Downs at Ohio State and played in three games while preserving his redshirt.Sayin's time at Ohio State has been a learning experience. While he has had limited playing time, his presence on the team has added depth at the quarterback position. His transfer to Ohio State was a decision made in pursuit of more opportunities to develop his skills.