Nick Saban, Alabama look at transfer portal 'a lot like free agency'

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Recruiting in the new age of college football is drastically different from what it was a decade ago. 

With the implementation of the transfer portal, teams are able to go out and fill their needs with upperclassmen who are ready to make an immediate impact. 

Alabama Crimson Tide Head Coach Nick Saban watches the action on the field before the College Football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the South Florida Bulls on September 16, 2023, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.  (Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

How to balance recruiting in the transfer portal era has been a topic of conversation this week during the early signing period, where high school recruits can sign their letters of intent. 

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Alabama head coach Nick Saban was asked Thursday how his program goes about recruiting in the transfer portal era. 

"We don’t really have a specific number on it. Basically, we look at the transfer portal a lot like free agency. If we have a need on our team, because if a guy is going to transfer, he probably needs to play. He’s looking for a place to play. So, it’s important for him to be able to play. It’s important for you to be able to need him to play," Saban said on "The Pat McAfee Show." 

"So, we look at the transfer portal like, if we’re missing maybe a left tackle, or we’re missing a linebacker on defense – whatever the position is – we’re really searching to try to compliment our roster with guys that we can get from the transfer portal."

Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the third quarter