Nick Saban shares how Sugar Bowl win builds momentum for 2023 season

Many view bowl games as a way to wrap up seasons, hoping to end on a positive note. Alabama head coach Nick Saban thought differently, saying momentum is being built heading into the 2023 season. Even with the likes of Bryce Young and Will Anderson leaving the program, they were able to teach next year’s bunch a valuable lesson.

“Circumstances don’t make you,” Saban said. “They reveal the kind of character that you have. I think this team revealed tremendous character. Competitive character in the way that they prepared for this game and the way they played in this game.”

Alabama was able to take care of Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl, producing special moments throughout the game. It’s one the Crimson Tide wanted badly, with nobody eligible for the 2023 NFL Draft opting out.

Saban is proud of how the team responded after not making the CFP, citing prior teams (2013) falling short in the Sugar Bowl. Playing “together” was a big theme in Tuscaloosa throughout.

“We’ve had teams in this circumstance before,” Saban said. “We didn’t play in the playoffs. We came and played in the Sugar Bowl and we didn’t play very well. And we didn’t practice very well and we didn’t prepare very well. But this team did and they went out there like a team. Played together as a team and were rewarded for it because of what they put into it.”

Alabama to have fresh roster heading into 2023 season

Development has been a staple of the Alabama program under Saban, consistently sending guys to the NFL. While you might expect them to after consistently signing top recruiting classes, it’s easier said than done. With a fresh-looking roster coming in 2023, the process resets for Alabama after the Sugar Bowl.

“I think every team has to go through a process of development,” Saban said. “We’ll have a lot of new players on the team. Your roster changes a lot more than it normally does based on the significance of the portal and transferring… We just want to continue to develop our guys. Get them to trust and belive in the process of what they need to do to be the best players they can be.”

Former Maryland tight end CJ Dippre has already joined Alabama via the NCAA transfer portal, being the only addition thus far. Saban has proven he is not afraid to add elite talent to the roster though and will stay active until the portal closes.

On the reverse, 14 players have left the team for new teams.

A top-level recruiting class will be entering the program as well, most likely finishing No. 1 in the On3 Consensus team rankings. Five-Star Plus+ prospect Cormani McClain is still out there was well, recently announcing he will sign on Jan. 15.

Elite talent might be making their way to Tuscaloosa but Saban knows everyone has different levels of college readiness.

“When recruits come in, they’re going to come in at varying levels of development and maturity to be ready to play or not play,” Saban said.

On3’s Charles Power named three Alabama signees who could be ready to play next season — safety Caleb Downs, running back Justice Haynes, and EDGE Keon Keeley. Some offensive linemen could join the party as well.

Nick Saban needs players to buy-in next season

When the 2023 roster finally gets together, Saban is looking for everyone to buy into the Alabama program from the get-go. If they can, a trip back to the College Football Playoff could be in store.

If not? Another New Year’s Six Bowl game — which is not up to their standard.

“All of those things are a lot of unknowns that you go to see how it all fits together,” Saban said. “But I think when everybody respects and trusts the values of the organization and the standard, you have a much better chance to develop a team. And leadership is something that’s always a big part of that as well.”