The Alabama Crimson Tide had to watch the College Football Playoff as spectators, which seems unusual.
However, Nick Saban’s team still got a bowl victory with a 45-20 win over Kansas State In the Sugar Bowl.
After the game, 2021 Heisman Trophy winner and Crimson Tide starting quarterback Bryce Young made the expected announcement: He is headed for the NFL (h/t Mike Rodak of AL.com).
Alabama QB Bryce Young declares for the 2023 NFL draft.
"Coming here was the best decision of my life. I'm forever grateful for the University of Alabama."
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) January 2, 2023
Young has officially declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and discussed his time in Tuscaloosa:
“Coming here was the best decision of my life. I’m forever grateful for the University of Alabama.”
After winning the Heisman and making the Playoff in 2021, Young threw for 3,007 yards and 27 scores and then threw another five touchdowns in the Sugar Bowl win.
Young is widely expected to be the first QB taken in the 2023 NFL Draft and he could be the top pick with the Houston Texans likely holding the key to the first choice.
The Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, and Carolina Panthers are other QB-needy teams in the top 10, although Young going in the first five picks seems like the clear decision.
The Texans have made it clear they are moving on from Davis Mills, who was selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and Young would immediately be the day one starter in Houston.
Young would have a familiar face in Houston if he ends up there.
The Texans drafted Alabama WR John Metchie in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, although Metchie missed the entire 2022 season after being diagnosed with leukemia.
With bowl season almost over, we should see plenty more NFL decisions coming out from the game’s top players.
NEXT: The Packers Have A Simple Path To The Playoffs