The postgame mass of crimson, purple, white and gold parted around Nick Saban and LSU wide receiver Aaron Anderson.

While handshakes, daps and hugs were exchanged, Alabama just starting to celebrate a 42-28 win, Saban found Anderson, who had transferred from Tuscaloosa to Baton Rogue the offseason, near the logo at midfield. The pair embraced and Saban patted Anderson on the back before one of the many cameras present caught a portion of Saban’s message:

‘You’d be playing more here than you are there,” Saban said with a smile, causing Anderson to drop his head laughing and respond with something that made Saban chuckle.

Anderson, a New Orleans native and alum of famed Edna Karr High, committed to Alabama in the class of 2022 as the highest-rated player from Louisiana. He was a part of the Tide’s top-ranked crop of recruits and, at the time, represented a major recruiting win over the Tigers.

Yet, after an injury-riddled first season in which Anderson appeared in just one game and made no catches, Anderson entered the portal. To the surprise of very few, Anderson headed back home to Brian Kelly and co. On3 Sports reported in February that Anderson missed spring practice after having his knee surgically repaired.

Anderson was named LSU’s punt returner in the preseason. He has one return for -3 yards and fielded three kickoffs. He’s caught 12 passes for 59 yards and no touchdowns. Anderson also suffered a hamstring injury in September. He didn’t record a stat in his return against the Tide.

In August, Saban said one of Alabama’s 18 outgoing transfers “disappointed” him. Saban refrained from offering any names, but he said he “couldn’t understand why he was leaving” and that he would’ve been a contributor for the Tide this fall.

UA has operated as a receiver-by-committee behind dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe, with multiple underclassmen getting opportunities. Five players have double-digit catches and five have recorded touchdowns.

Soon after the final score went final, many coaches and players found members of the other team that they either recognized or knew personally. Kelly spoke with Alabama backup quarterback Tyler Buchner for a moment, for example. Anderson soon found himself in a swarm of red jerseys and old teammates while the sidelines emptied.

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