Keon Sabb, Former Michigan Football Safety, Surprises with Transfer to Alabama After Standout National Championship Game
Keon Sabb, a former safety for Michigan football, showcased one of his top performances, as evaluated by Pro Football Focus, during the national championship game against the Washington Huskies.
Despite the return of Rod Moore and Makari Paige to the Wolverines for another year, Sabb opted not to accept a rotational role and decided to explore other opportunities. His unexpected entry into the transfer portal last week caught the attention of then-head coach of the Huskies, Kalen DeBoer, who was impressed by Sabb’s performance in the final game of the 2023 season.
DeBoer assumed the head coaching position at Alabama amidst a wave of player departures, including star safety Caleb Downs, who transferred to Ohio State. Sabb, reportedly, has transferred to the Crimson Tide.
Michigan safety Keon Sabb is transferring to Alabama, sources confirm to @tuscaloosanews. He’s enrolled and on campus. @AaronSuttles of @yea_ala was first
— Nick Kelly (@_NickKelly) February 20, 2024
While Michigan fans hoped that the new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and secondary coach LaMar Morgan could persuade Sabb to stay, it is understandable that he sought alternatives, considering the limited playing time he would likely have with Moore and Paige returning. Despite Alabama facing similar challenges with a new head coach and the departure of Downs, Sabb stands to gain more playing time in his junior season.
Originally committed to Clemson as a five-star recruit, Sabb changed his commitment to Michigan just before early signing day in 2022. Although he saw minimal playing time in his first year, injuries to safeties early in the 2023 season provided Sabb with significant opportunities until Moore and Paige returned at full strength. Nonetheless, he played a vital role in former Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s strategy against the Huskies’ formidable passing offense, which explains DeBoer’s interest in recruiting him after witnessing his impact against his former team.
