DALLAS – The Alabama Crimson Tide was the first team on the podium to start Day 3 of SEC Media Days. The past two years, the Longhorns and Tide have played two very memorable non-conference games with Bama winning the first in Austin, and Texas returning the favor in Tuscaloosa.

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Unfortunately, the two programs will not face each other in SEC play for at least two more years. Despite this, the pipeline of players and coaches from Tuscaloosa to Austin has never been more active. The obvious is that Coach Steve Sarkisian was the Tide’s offensive coordinator before he accepted the Texas job three years ago. 

Most recently, two Crimson Tide playmakers have transferred to Austin. Stud wide receiver Isaiah Bond and tight end Amari Niblack are now calling Austin home after starting their collegiate careers with the Tide. 

During the player’s session at SEC Media Days, multiple members of the Tide’s program had nothing but kind words to say about the most recent Texas transfers:

“They are getting two great players who really love the game of football, and I wish them nothing but the best”

-Tyler Booker on Transfer Bond and Niblack

“Obviously he’s very explosive, and when he was with us he was a very dynamic player. So I pretty much think they (Texas) are gonna get the same thing over there”

-Malachi Moore on Isaiah Bond

“They are getting a special cat”

-Jalen Milroe on Tight End Amari Niblack

Bond and Niblack are both expected to have big years for the Longhorns. The Longhorn’s newest receiver is bringing 48 receptions, 668 yards, and four touchdowns to Austin. Expect Bond to be quarterback Quinn Ewers’ number-one receiving target.

In regards to Amari Niblack, the tight end brought in 327 yards on 20 receptions and four touchdowns. Niblack is expected to be a breakout candidate on the Horns’ offense in the 2024 season. 

For more SEC Media Day coverage, make sure to follow Touchdown Texas all season long!