Alabama football saw some major transfer portal departures in the days following Nick Saban’s retirement. Offensive guard Tyler Booker was not one of them.

Throughout the process that followed the retirement and UA hiring Kalen DeBoer as its new head coach, Booker has remained vocally committed to the Crimson Tide. He reiterated that Monday, during an appearance on the Next Round Live internet show, noting that his public commitment has kept other programs away from him.

“Only one coaching staff hit me up since coach Saban retired,” Booker said. “Everybody really knows not to hit me up because they know my stance on Alabama and they pretty much know how I feel about this program, and if you ask anybody here about me, they’re gonna know that I’m really big on loyalty. I’m really big on family.”

Alabama has seen 10 players leave via the portal since Saban retired, which opened up a 30-day undergraduate entry window for the Crimson Tide. The list includes safety Caleb Downs, as well as UA’s starting left tackle from 2023, Kadyn Proctor.

Booker spoke of Alabama’s “next-man up mentality” when dealing with the portal losses. He also pointed out that the portal opens for everyone in April.

“The portal works both ways,” Booker said. “Once it opens up in the spring, we’ll be able to add more additions if need be. But I feel like we have everything in-house that we need to go on another national championship run. Everything is going to work out.”

Booker was asked how surprised he was by some of the departures. He said there was some level of that, but harbored no animosity toward those who were leaving.

“We wish them nothing but success, but it’s off to the next,” Booker said. “They didn’t want to be here. They think they have better opportunities elsewhere, and that’s a day and age where anybody who comes in college football can take advantage of the opportunity presented. Of course we wanted you here, but you gotta do what’s best for you, and we’ll do what’s best for us.”