Alabama Football: Rumored QB transfer features Tide and Hurricanes
By Ronald Evans
Something may or may not be going on with a possible QB transfer from the Miami Hurricanes to Alabama Football. So far, the best kernels of information come from rumors. Reports on the matter mostly rely on the unspecific phrase, ‘according to sources.’
The chatter is Miami Hurricanes QB, Tyler Van Dyke is interested in exploring other options. Van Dyke has not entered the Transfer Portal, but according to the Miami Herald,
"he (Van Dyke) and his camp are “frustrated” with the total value of his NIL deals at UM and have substantial offers from other schools"
One of the rumored schools is Alabama. Which may or may not be true.
Miami mega-booster, John Ruiz claims to know nothing about Van Dyke being dissatisfied with his current NIL deals. For those needing a refresher on Ruiz and his business LifeWallet, it has been widely reported Ruiz enticed Miami basketball guard, Nigel Pack to transfer to the ‘U’ from Kansas State. The reported price tag was $800K.
Alan Rubenstein of Canes Warning wrote,
"Among the unsubstantiated rumors are that Van Dyke has spoken with Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. Without being in the transfer portal Rees contacting Van Dyke would potentially be tampering. The speculation, judging of Van Dyke and opinions about any potential transfer have been rampant."
Rubenstein is credible and nothing he wrote is incorrect. But even so, all that is known, is Tommy Rees may have tampered with Van Dyke, or the Alabama OC may not have done so. Without condoning tampering, it is apparently widespread and beyond the desire or ability of the NCAA to control it.
Another Miami site, while also not able to confirm anything, speculated “Alabama could provide Van Dyke with better opportunities.” Specifically, that claim indicated a belief, NIL deals were not the source of Van Dyke thinking of leaving Miami.
What most concerns Alabama Football fans
Based on multiple message boards, many Alabama football fans are excited about a Van Dyke move to Tuscaloosa. Those fans see the Miami QB, not only as more experienced but also as having a better package of skills to lead the Crimson Tide offense in 2023.
Such enthusiasm does not erase questions. Would Nick Saban award a starting job to Van Dyke, without him winning a summer and fall camp competition with current Tide QBs? And if, as many expect, Saban will not, then why would Van Dyke leave his locked-in role as the Miami starter? Another burning question is if the Tide adds Van Dyke, how many current Alabama quarterbacks would transfer?
Somewhat like the ‘may or may not’ situation with Van Dyke, the questions of Alabama fans have no definitive answers.