Alabama TE Amari Niblack Plans to Enter Transfer Portal After Nick Saban's Retirement

Alabama tight end Amari Niblack is planning to enter the transfer portal, he told Hayes Fawcett of On3.com.

In 14 appearances with the Crimson Tide in 2023, Niblack hauled in 20 receptions for 327 yards and four touchdowns. His decision to enter the portal comes after legendary head coach Nick Saban announced his retirement on Wednesday.

Alabama hired former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer to replace him on Friday, although it appears that Niblack is still looking for a change of scenery.

Not only is DeBoer replacing Saban, but former Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is reportedly heading to Alabama as well (per ESPN's Chris Low). In all likelihood, this means that Tommy Rees, last season's offensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide, is heading elsewhere.

Niblack is the second offensive playmaker to leave the program after Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Bond entered the transfer portal and committed to Texas on Sunday. Bond told ESPN's Pete Thamel that it was a "business decision" and that Saban's retirement was "100 percent" the reason behind his transfer.

The former head coach was complimentary of Niblack throughout the regular season, discussing his improvements during the year with reporters on Oct. 4.

"He's doing great," Saban said, per Austin Hannon of Sports Illustrated. "He's a really good receiver. He's improved as a blocker. This year, his confidence and knowledge of the offense and what he's doing, how to do it, why it's important to do it that way is so much better, and I think it's starting to show up in how productive he is on the field as a player."

Niblack was a 4-star recruit who ranked as the No. 17 prospect from the state of Florida, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.