Alabama has landed the commitment of transfer quarterback Tyler Buchner, the former Notre Dame starter announced Thursday. The rising redshirt sophomore chose the Crimson Tide after entering the transfer portal on April 25.
“Sometimes life brings opportunities that are beyond anything you can imagine, and that is what happened today,” Buchner wrote in a statement posted to his Twitter account. “I have committed to play football at the University of Alabama and head coach Nick Saban. I know that this is the best decision for my future, and I can’t wait to get to Tuscaloosa and begin the next step of my football journey.”
Buchner entered the 2022 season as the starting quarterback for the Fighting Irish. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder threw for 378 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions before a shoulder injury suffered in the Week 2 loss to Marshall knocked him out of action for the remainder of the regular season.
He came back strong in the Gator Bowl win over South Carolina, however, throwing for 273 yards and rushing for 61 yards while accounting for five touchdowns (three passing, two rushing). Buchner did throw three interceptions against the Gamecocks, though, which put his status as the starting quarterback in flux heading into the offseason.
Irish coach Marcus Freeman hit the transfer market during the first window last winter and nabbed former Wake Forest starter Sam Hartman, one of the most sought-after quarterbacks on the transfer market. Freeman said after Notre Dame’s spring game that despite the five years of experience that Hartman has under his belt, Buchner still had a shot at earning the top spot on the depth chart.
So what does Buchner’s transfer to perennial national title contender Alabama mean? Let’s have a look.
Massive potential at Alabama
Buchner’s brief career at Notre Dame was nothing short of a roller coaster. He was inconsistent with the football during all three of his games last season but showed his upside in the thrilling 45-38 win in the Gator Bowl. That is a big reason why he was a four-star prospect and the No. 91 overall player in the Class of 2021.
In heading to Alabama, it looks like the playing time may be available. Neither Jalen Milroe nor Ty Simpson looked prepared to lead Alabama on a College Football Playoff run during their respective spring game performances, and Crimson Tide fans — and Saban in particular –…
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