These former Alabama football transfers will play in the CFP

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) takes the field during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. Ohio State won 20-13.

While the Alabama Crimson Tide will not play in this year’s College Football Playoff (CFP), there will be a few former players taking the field who have previously transferred from the program in recent years.

In this group are some familiar names who have started games for Alabama in the past, as well as some who did not necessarily see as much time with the Crimson Tide, but are however in larger roles now, or still not playing much with their respective new programs.

As you’d expect as well, some of these former transfers could play key roles in the CFP this year, with a few certainly coming to mind.

Here is every former Alabama football transfer who is set to play in this year’s CFP, along with what each has done up to this point in the year:

NOTE: Ohio State center Seth McLaughlin will not play in the CFP due to injury.

Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Walter Blanchard (28), defensive back Jake Pope (22), Georgia Bulldogs running back Nate Frazier (3) and place kicker Peyton Woodring (91) celebrate after the game of an NCAA college football matchup Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Florida Gators 34-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

2024 Stats: N/A

Pope transferred from Alabama to the Georgia Bulldogs last offseason after not seeing action with the Crimson Tide. The safety has yet to record any stats with the Bulldogs this season.

Tyler Buchner, Quarterback – Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Oct 19, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish holder Tyler Buchner (26) runs the ball on a fake field goal against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

2024 Stats: 1-for-1 passing, 23 yards, 1 rush, 4 yards

After beginning his career with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Buchner spent a season at Alabama before transferring back to South Bend. This season, Buchner has completed his lone pass for 23 yards, while also rushing for four yards on one attempt.

Caleb Downs, Safety – Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns a putn during the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Ohio State won 38-15.

2024 Stats: 62 tackles, 7 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PD

While the Alabama transfer has not accumulated the same number of tackles as his 107 total as a true freshman a year ago, Downs is still one of the premier safeties in college football. During his first season at Ohio State, Downs has 62 tackles with seven TFL, 0.5 sacks, one interception, and three PD as a starter for the Buckeyes.

Julian Sayin, Quarterback – Ohio State Buckeyes

Nov 9, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) looks for an open man during the second half at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barbara Perenic/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

2024 Stats: 5-of-11 passing, 84 yards, 1 TD, 2 rushes, 24 yards

A five-star quarterback from Alabama’s 2024 recruiting class, Sayin transferred to the Ohio State Buckeyes during the spring before appearing in a game with the Crimson Tide. Sayin is currently Ohio State’s backup quarterback where he has completed 5-of-11 passes for 84 yards and a score, while also rushing for 24 yards on two attempts.

Peyton Woodyard, Safety – Oregon Ducks

Oregon defensive back Peyton Woodyard works out during practice with the Ducks Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024 at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Ore.

2024 Stats: 9 tackles

A member of Alabama’s 2024 signing class, Woodyard transferred from the Crimson Tide program this past spring where the safety ended up with the Oregon Ducks. Woodyard has appeared in 13 games with Oregon this season, amassing nine total tackles.

Traeshon Holden, Wide Receiver – Oregon Ducks

Oct 12, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Traeshon Holden (1) during warmups before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

2024 Stats: 38 receptions, 602 yards, 3 TD, 2 rushes, 22 yards

Holden was an impact member of Alabama’s wide receiver room in 2021-22 prior to transferring to Oregon prior to the 2023 season. The wideout has gone on to have success with the Ducks, which includes a career-high 38 receptions for 602 yards and three touchdowns at Oregon this season.

Brock O’Quinn, Long Snapper – SMU Mustangs

Oct 19, 2024; Stanford, California, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs long snapper Brock O'Quinn (56) before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images — Oct 19, 2024; Stanford, California, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs long snapper Brock O’Quinn (56) before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

2024 Stats: N/A

O’Quinn transferred from Alabama last offseason after not seeing action as a freshman. With SMU, O’Quinn is currently the Mustangs backup long snapper, and has not recorded any stats.

Miles Kitselman, Tight End – Tennessee Volunteers

Nov 16, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Tennessee Volunteers tight end Miles Kitselman (87) runs after a catch against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

2024 Stats: 21 receptions, 296 yards, 4 TD, 2 rushes, 1 yard, 1 TD

After not playing much at Alabama, Kitselman transferred to the Tennessee Volunteers this past offseason where the tight end has since enjoyed a career-year. So far, Kitselman has a combined 21 receptions for 296 yards and four touchdowns.

Amari Niblack, Tight End – Texas Longhorns

Nov 30, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns tight end Amari Niblack (8) runs with the ball, bracing for a tackle from Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Will Lee III (26) in the second quarter of the Lone Star Showdown game at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Sara Diggins/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

2024 Stats: 5 receptions, 33 yards, 1 tackle, 1 TFL

After a breakout season at Alabama a year ago, Niblack hit the portal during the offseason where he ended up with the Texas Longhorns. The tight end has not seen the same success as a year ago, hauling in only five receptions for 33 yards.

Isaiah Bond, Wide Receiver – Texas Longhorns

Nov 23, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Bond (7) lines up against the Kentucky Wildcats during the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Patzke-Imagn Images

2024 Stats: 33 receptions, 532 yards, 5 TD, 4 rushes, 98 yards, 1 TD

Bond was one of Alabama’s top wide receivers a year ago, and since transferring to Texas, is the exact same with the Longhorns. This season, Bond has hauled in 33 receptions for 532 yards and five touchdowns, while also posting career-high’s rushing with 98 yards and a score on four attempts.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: These former Alabama football transfers will play in the CFP

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