Alabama star Isaiah Bond transferring to Texas in Nick Saban retirement fallout
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- January 15, 2024
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Now that Nick Saban has left Alabama, some others are following suit — including Isaiah Bond, in what the wide receiver called a “business” decision. Bond, a sophomore, committed to transfer to Texas, telling ESPN, “Just like the business world, you make the best decision for your company. My company right now is my draft stock.
I feel like I’m putting myself in position to increase that and have better draft stock.” Bond’s transfer comes after Saban announced his retirement last week after 17 years, ushering in a new era for the Crimson Tide that is bound to look different under Kalen DeBoer, who is replacing Saban after two seasons as head coach at Washington.
Bond led the way among Alabama players in entering the transfer portal following Saban’s departure and quickly made the move to Texas, which, like Alabama, lost in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff this past season. The wide receiver initially planned on staying at Alabama but altered his plans once news of Saban’s retirement broke.
He added Saban leaving was “100 percent” the reason he is transferring. Bond, who led Alabama with 48 receptions this past season, will now play for Steve Sarkisian, who was previously on Saban’s staff at Alabama and who Bond said recruited him heavily to Texas out of high school. He’ll also play with top quarterback prospect Quinn Ewers, who bypassed a chance at entering the NFL draft to return to Austin for another season.
“I like the whole package that comes with it,” Bond said of the Longhorns. “Great quarterback, they have a great offensive line. I felt like it was a great spot for me to come to.” Like Ewers, Bond is also expected to be a high draft pick in 2025, and Bond is confident they can make each other better.
“He’s a great big time pocket passer quarterback,’’ Bond said. “He’s a top pick in the draft next year. I’m also going to be a top pick. It’s going to be a good duo.” Bond told ESPN that DeBoer contacted him, but he didn’t return the message..
