Nick Saban addresses his feelings on opt-outs, transfers ahead of Sugar Bowl vs. Kansas State

With opting out of bowl games becoming a new trend in college football, it’s safe to say that some coaches aren’t a fan of it. And it’s even safer to say that Alabama head coach Nick Saban is one of them. While preparing his Crimson Tide players for their Sugar Bowl matchup against Kansas State, Saban shared his thoughts on players who opt-out of bowl games. And he also cited his reason for not being a fan of the move.

“Look, it is what it is. I have no control over it,” said Saban. “I have a lot of respect for the guys that want to be at Alabama, want to play for Alabama, want to compete for Alabama, want to be a part of the team; have respect for their teammates in terms of what they can do to help their team. But it’s the culture of college football, and people have the choice to do whatever they choose to do. And my choice is to coach the guys that we have here, that want to play for us.”

While other teams not in the College Football Playoffs are watching their top players sit out their bowl games, Alabama is not one of them. Alabama’s star quarterback Bryce Young and defensive end Will Anderson have yet to declare for the NFL draft. Still, they are considered the top two prospects by ESPN’s Todd McShay if they do. Still, the pair have already informed Saban and the team that they will, in fact, play in the Sugar Bowl. Something that we know Saban is definitely a fan of.

Saban reveals his conversations with Bryce Young, Will Anderson and their decision to play in Sugar Bowl

In college football today, it’s becoming more and more common to see players elect to opt-out of bowl games. Especially if their team is outside the College Football Playoffs. But for the Alabama Crimson Tide and head coach Nick Saban, their top two players, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young and two-time All-American defensive end Will Anderson, have decided to play in the Sugar Bowl for the Crimson Tide against Kansas State, regardless of their impending draft decisions. During a recent press conference, Saban revealed some insight into his conversations with Young and Anderson as they made their decisions to play in Sugar Bowl.

“It’s kind of interesting that people opt out of playing for their team. The way you create value for yourself is to play football,” said Saban. “That is the best way you can create value for your future. And when you do that against good competition, I think that creates value for the future. I hear guys all the time say; I’m going to get ready for the NFL. Well, what do you mean? You’re getting ready for the combine? A lot of the things you do at the combine are not even relevant to what you do on the football field.

“So, every time you have an opportunity to compete, if you’re a great competitor, and I think these two guys are great competitors, and that’s why they wanted to play; they want to try to continue to create value for themselves, be good teammates, help their teammates play well in the game. And that makes them old-fashion in a lot of ways, but I sure do respect that.”