Alabama’s first player in the transfer portal may not play football next year. UA quarterback Tyler Buchner entered the portal as a lacrosse player, AL.com confirmed. The portal opened on Monday, one day after the Crimson Tide was named to the College Football Playoff.

Buchner played both sports in high school. He committed to Michigan as a midfielder in 2017 according to Inside Lacrosse, who first broke the news of Buchner’s plans. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Buchner “hasn’t ruled out” football, but due to NCAA rules, he would need to sit out one season if he wanted to play on the gridiron. Buchner would be eligible for this spring’s lacrosse season, however.

Buchner followed his former offensive coordinator Tommy Rees to Tuscaloosa from Notre Dame, entering himself into UA’s open quarterback competition. Buchner started the Tide’s first road game against South Florida on Sept. 16. In a rain-soaked, weather-delayed slog, Buchner completed five-of-14 passes for 34 yards before being replaced by Ty Simpson. Milroe would be named the starter two days later.

Buchner first entered the portal in April with a “do not contact” designation, meaning he was planning to contact schools he was interested in. A day after visiting Tuscaloosa, Buchner announced his transfer. According to ESPN’s Chris Low, Saban “promised (Milroe, Buchner and Simpson) he would give them all chances in games.”

In his two appearances, Buchner had eight completions for 61 yards across 19 attempts. He also had three carries for 20 yards and a touchdown. Buchner, a four-star recruit from The Bishop’s (Calif.) School, appeared in 13 games at Notre Dame. Buchner won the Fighting Irish starting job over Drew Pyne before the injury. (Pyne entered the portal after a stint at Arizona State over the weekend.) He missed 10 games in 2022 after a shoulder injury but returned to help win the Gator Bowl over South Carolina.

Saban was asked about managing prep for No. 1 Michigan, player’s finals, and the portal opening during the Rose Bowl teleconference on Sunday. He said playing for a national title “makes it a little different” than a typical year. Alabama lost 10 scholarship players between the 2022 Iron Bowl and New Year’s Eve.

Saban told reporters he’d spend Monday in his office to meet with individuals concerned about their upcoming decisions.

“Whether it’s guys going out early for the draft, our seniors, leadership group on the team, guys in transition have the opportunity to visit about what they want to do in the future. And we’re hopeful that all of our players are wanting to stay on our team and contribute to the preparation and success that we have the opportunity to have playing the best team in the country,” Saban said.

Alabama will have four scholarship quarterbacks rostered for the clash against No. 1 Michigan, barring any more transfers: Milroe, Simpson and freshmen Dylan Lonergan and Ty Simpson. Five-star recruit Julian Sayin will also enter the program. The transfer portal closes on Jan. 2.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].