With Tua Tagovailoa era underway, Jalen Hurts needs to transfer from Alabama

Tua Tagovailoa ended up the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide to begin the season. While he chose to stay, Jalen Hurts needs to transfer.

On Saturday night, Tua Tagovailoa officially became the starter for the Alabama Crimson Tide at quarterback over Jalen Hurts. While it was expected, it became official when he ran out to take the field against the Louisville Cardinals.

When Tagovailoa replaced Hurts in the National Championship Game against Georgia, it felt like it was his job for good. However, the program and Nick Saban made it clear throughout the offseason it was still a competition.

While that appeared to be the standard coach speak, the Crimson Tide ran some sets for Hurts on Saturday vs. Louisville, but after Tagovailoa dazzled and put the Tide up with some huge passes. Hurts was adamant about his decision to remain with the program that benched him at halftime of the title game.

While he has committed himself to the program, it’s clear that it’s Tagovailoa’s time and the program isn’t looking back. Hurts’ commitment to the program has been nothing short of commendable, but it’s time for him to consider transferring.

His time at Alabama is running out.

The goal of a college athlete is to be able to play and Hurts has plenty of talent to provide a program. Right now, it seems that his time on the field for the Crimson Tide is going to be only in certain sets each game and perhaps increasingly less if Tagovailoa continues to grow as a quarterback.

No one can challenge Hurts’ desire to play for Alabama and he’s done some great things in his career. If he chooses to transfer out, it won’t be the same as other quarterbacks that have transferred from the program to never be heard of again.

He’ll be a sought-after commodity and will get his chance to lead a program. He deserves a chance to start in college football, but that’s not likely going to come from Alabama.