ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage on Thursday night was a platform for former Alabama coach Nick Saban to share his insights into how college football coaches approach the transfer portal. During his comments, Saban revealed that Alabama had targeted Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell during his college career, but he remained with Toledo throughout. Despite interest from other schools, Mitchell never entered the transfer portal.
Despite this revelation by Saban, it is worth noting that coaching staffs across the country actively scout potential transfer targets well before they make any announcements. In fact, Mitchell was eventually drafted in the first round by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 22nd pick, making him the first cornerback chosen. This disclosure by Saban sheds light on the behind-the-scenes strategies employed by college football programs and underscores how important it is for players to carefully consider their options before making a decision about their future.
As part of his new role as an analyst for ESPN following his retirement from coaching, Saban’s comments on Mitchell offer an interesting perspective on how coaches and players navigate the transfer portal. While this information may not come as a shock to dedicated football fans, it is still noteworthy to hear a respected figure like Saban discuss it openly on a prominent platform like ESPN.