Two years ago, Alabama football learned it would face Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl. This marked a harsh reality for the program under former coach Nick Saban. For the first time, the team faced opt-outs—players choosing not to participate in bowl games to prepare for the NFL draft. Traditionally, this was not a concern for Alabama, as its regular participation in the College Football Playoff (CFP) kept the team motivated.
In the 2022 Sugar Bowl, quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson, both named captains, opted to play despite being high first-round draft prospects. They encouraged their teammates to stay as well. As a result, Alabama defeated Kansas State 45-20 with its full roster.
Fast forward two years, and Alabama’s chances of making the 2024 CFP appear slim. The potential for opt-outs now looms large in Tuscaloosa.
The upcoming draft class may not be as strong as those in previous years under Saban. However, Alabama still has several players with draft potential. Team captains Jalen Milroe, Tyler Booker, Deontae Lawson, and Malachi Moore are among them. Additionally, wide receiver Germie Bernard has drawn attention from NFL scouts this season. Standout linebacker Jihaad Campbell, who also has considerable pro potential, will be draft-eligible as well.
If Alabama fails to make the CFP, these decisions about participating in a bowl game will come about six weeks from now.
While that time is still far off, the decision to play a bowl game under a first-year coach like Kalen DeBoer differs significantly from the choices players made in 2022. The incentive for staying may not be as compelling this time, and the peer pressure will also change.
Opt-outs are not necessarily detrimental to a program’s continuity. Each opt-out allows younger players to gain valuable experience. The coaching staff can evaluate these players more closely, providing insight into what to expect in the following season.
For most schools, opt-outs have become routine. For Alabama, however, this would be a new challenge.
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