In an unexpected move, Alabama quarterback Tyler Buchner has entered the NCAA transfer portal, but here’s the twist – it’s not for football but for lacrosse. Buchner, initially brought to Tuscaloosa to compete in the quarterback race after spring practice, seems to be exploring a transition to a different sport.
His stint with Alabama football saw him make a lone start against USF, registering 34 passing yards and 11 rushing yards before being replaced. Buchner’s football journey began at Notre Dame, where he had a connection with current Alabama Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees.
Buchner was a four-star prospect from La Jolla Helix in the 2021 recruiting cycle. Interestingly, his earlier commitment to play lacrosse at Michigan, made in eighth grade, is now taking the forefront as he looks to focus on lacrosse to conclude his college career.
Background on the Transfer Portal:
The NCAA Transfer Portal, covering all NCAA sports at Division I, II, and III levels, operates as a private database housing the names of student-athletes seeking to transfer. Initiated through a school’s compliance office, the portal entry follows a player’s written intent to transfer, with a 48-hour compliance window. Once a player’s name appears, other schools can reach out, and while players can change their minds, the current scholarship is no longer obligatory once in the portal.
The database is a comprehensive resource, allowing sorting by various factors, including sport and name. A player’s entry includes essential details like contact information, scholarship status, and whether the transfer is for graduate studies.
Since its inception in October 2018, the portal has witnessed a significant number of entries each cycle, indicating the increasing trend of player movement across NCAA sports. In Buchner’s case, the unexpected shift from football to lacrosse showcases the diverse trajectories student-athletes may explore during their college careers.
