Alabama Star Commits To CFB Playoff Contender Days After Saban Departure
By Jason Hall
January 14, 2024
Alabama transfer wide receiver Isaiah Bond announced his commitment to the Texas Longhorns on Sunday (January 14) via ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Bond, 19, who led the Crimson Tide with 48 receptions in 2023, told Thamel that the move was a "business decision" following the retirement of seven-time national champion coach Nick Saban.
"Just like the business world, you make the best decision for your company," Bond told ESPN during a phone call to reveal his transfer decision on Sunday. "My company right now is my draft stock. I feel like I'm putting myself in position to increase that and have better draft stock."
Bond was the first Alabama player to opt for the transfer portal after Saban's sudden retirement announcement on Thursday (January 11).
"One hundred percent," Bond responded when asked if Saban's departure played a factor. "That was the decision why I left."
Alabama transfer wide receiver Isaiah Bond has committed to Texas, which he told ESPN is a “business decision” in the wake of Nick Saban’s retirement. Bond led Alabama in receptions last season with 48 and said Saban’s retirement was “100-percent” the reason for his transfer. pic.twitter.com/k48H1IDnTJ
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 14, 2024
Bond visited Texas over the weekend before making his decision. The 19-year-old will play for Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, who had previously worked as an offensive coordinator under Saban during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Bond finished his sophomore season with 48 receptions for 668 yards and four touchdowns. The Georgia native signed with Alabama as a four-star prospect in the 2022 national recruiting cycle and also rated as a four-star college transfer prospect, according to On3.com's rankings.