Now that Nick Saban has left Alabama, several others have followed suit, including Isaiah Bond, in what the wide receiver called a “business” decision.
Bond, a sophomore, decides to transfer to Texas. As told to ESPN, “Just like in the business world, it's up to you to make the decisions that are best for your company. My company is now in draft stock. I want to increase that and put myself in a position to get better draft stock. I feel that there is.”
Bonds' transfer comes after Saban announced his retirement after 17 years last week, starting a new era for the Crimson Tide under Karen DeBoer, who will replace Saban after two seasons as head coach in Washington. It will be a harbinger of things to come.
After leaving Saban, Bonds was the first Alabama player to enter the transfer portal and immediately decided to transfer to Texas, which, like Alabama, was eliminated in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff last season.
The wide receiver originally intended to remain at Alabama, but changed his plans when news of Saban's retirement broke.
He added that Saban's departure was “100 percent” the reason for the move.
Bonds, who led Alabama in receptions last season with 48 receptions, will now play under Steve Sarkisian, who was on Saban's staff at Alabama and, according to Bond, led him to Texas in high school. It is said that a large number of scouts were conducted.
He will also play with top QB prospect Quinn Ewers, who is expected to bypass the chance to enter the NFL Draft and return to Austin for one more season.
“I like the whole package that comes with it,” Bonds said of the Longhorns. “Great quarterback, they've got a great offensive line. I felt like this was the perfect place for me to come here.”
Like Ewers, Bonds is expected to be a top draft pick in 2025, and Bonds is confident they can improve each other.
“He's a great pocket passer quarterback,” Bonds said. “He's a player who will be picked high in next year's draft. I'm also planning to be picked high. I think we'll be a good duo.”
Bonds told ESPN that DeBoer contacted him but did not respond.
