Alabama Football: 5 players that (probably) won’t be back in 2024

Terrion Arnold

As a redshirt sophomore, Arnold has been a revelation opposite McKinstry. He has been arguably the most improved player on the entire roster, and has played his way into first round consideration as well.

His 49 tackles rank third on the team, and his 6.0 tackles for loss lead all Alabama defensive backs. Having been heavily targeted as opposing quarterbacks try to avoid Kool-Aid, Terrion Arnold has notched team-highs of three interceptions and nine pass breakups.

Cornerback could be a position of concern if McKinstry and Arnold both head to the NFL. Alabama Football hopes to return an experienced contributor in Trey Amos, as well as former highly touted recruits Antonio Kite, Jahlil Hurley and Dezz Ricks.

Tyler Buchner

The former Notre Dame quarterback was one of Bama’s transfer additions last offseason, and it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see him back in the portal. Buchner just didn’t work out at Bama, and it appears he has been passed up by several younger quarterbacks.

Of course, Buchner’s only real chance was a rainy afternoon in Tampa, but he was ultimately unable to produce. At the end of the day, this is the highest level of college football, and it can be cutthroat and even unfair at times.

A redshirt sophomore, Buchner is an elder statesman in one of the youngest QB rooms in the country. Fellow redshirt sophomore Jalen Milroe is blossoming into a Heisman contender before our eyes, and could very easily return next season.

Redshirt freshman Ty Simpson has seized the backup role, and there is even belief that true freshman Dylan Lonergan has moved past Buchner for the no. 3 spot. With elite 5-star recruit Julian Sayin also joining the fold next season, this will be a very crowded QB room, and I just don’t see a reason why Buchner would want to return.

Roster reconstruction is crazy in modern college football, and it will be several months after the end of the season before we begin to get a clear picture of the 2024 roster. The five aforementioned players are pretty safe bets to be exiting the Alabama Football program.