In a shocking admission during the 2025 NFL Draft broadcast, former Alabama head coach Nick Saban revealed his program repeatedly violated NCAA transfer rules. The coaching legend candidly discussed how the Crimson Tide pursued West Virginia offensive lineman Wyatt Milum annually through the transfer portal, despite Milum never actually entering it.
The bombshell came as Milum, a standout tackle for the Mountaineers, was selected 89th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Saban’s casual revelation about Alabama’s recruiting tactics raises questions about potential NCAA violations. It highlights the increasingly aggressive nature of college football’s transfer landscape, where elite programs relentlessly target top talent.
Nick Saban Admits Alabama Targeted Wyatt Milum in the Transfer Portal Year After Year
“Another one of those recruits we lost. But we tried to get this guy every year in the portal, even when we didn’t get him out of high school” Saban said during ESPN’s draft coverage on April 26. The comment came immediately after Jacksonville selected Milum in the third round, making him the latest Mountaineer offensive lineman to reach the NFL.
Nick Saban on former West Virginia OL Wyatt Milum, a third-round pick of the Jaguars: “Another one of those recruits we lost. But we tried to get this guy every year in the portal, even when we didn’t get him out of high school.”
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) April 26, 2025
Saban’s admission is particularly notable because NCAA rules explicitly prohibit programs from contacting players who haven’t entered the transfer portal. This regulation exists to prevent tampering with athletes committed to other institutions, making the former Alabama coach’s candid statement potentially damaging his legacy at the program he led to multiple national championships.
Milum’s loyalty to West Virginia is a stark contrast to the transfer atmosphere of today. Despite repeated visits and pursuit from college football’s historic flagship program, the skilled lineman remained a Mountaineer through it all, starting 43 games in his college career and establishing himself as one of the elite offensive tackles in the nation.
Milum accumulated an impressive list of accolades, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors, Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2024, and becoming an Outland Trophy semifinalist. His consistent excellence eventually culminated in his third-round selection by the Jaguars.
The former Alabama coach, now an ESPN analyst, did not praise Milum’s abilities. Saban highlighted the lineman’s exceptional athleticism, balance, and technique. These qualities made him a priority target for the Crimson Tide’s recruiting efforts year after year despite his unwavering commitment to West Virginia.
Milum’s route from a four-star recruit to the NFL draft represents a journey that is becoming more uncommon in contemporary college football. Instead of putting on a signature uniform for an elite traditional program like Alabama, Milum forged his legacy at West Virginia, going from correct tackle to left tackle for his final three years after playing correct tackle as a true freshman.
NFL scouts noticed Milum’s development, with analysts praising his footwork, bend, and ability to redirect defenders. However, some evaluators suggested he might project as a guard at the professional level due to his arm length, football IQ, and play strength, which made him an attractive prospect for Jacksonville in the third round.
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As of late April 2025, no NCAA investigation has been reported following Saban’s comments. The focus remains on Milum’s transition to professional football rather than potential repercussions for Alabama’s program. However, the former coach’s casual admission highlights the murky transfer portal tampering world that continues transforming college athletics.
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