An end of an era in college football was marked when legendary head coach Nick Saban announced his retirement from Alabama in early January.
Saban is considered the best to ever do it, and his absence will be felt across the entirety of the sport.
Saban finished out his college football head-coaching career with an overall record of 292-71-1 … and too many accomplishments to fully list off.
That includes seven national championships, 11 SEC championships and one MAC championship. He also won the SEC Coach of Year award five times, the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award award twice, the Walter Camp Coach of the Year award twice and was twice named the Associated Press Coach of the Year.
With Saban’s departure, it is highly anticipated that multiple Alabama players will hit the transfer portal in search of greener pastures — and some already have.
Here are the Crimson Tide players who have confirmed they are entering the portal following Saban’s retirement.
S Caleb Downs:
Downs is by far one of the most prominent prospects set to enter the portal. The All-American safety was one of the top freshman in 2023 and already projects as a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft despite his inexperience. His best football is very likely still ahead of him.
