When Nick Saban expressed uncertainty at SEC Media Days that Jalen Hurts would be on the Week 1 roster, it caught the junior quarterback by surprise.

“I was kind of shocked that he said that,” Hurts told reporters at Alabama’s Media Day Saturday. “I told him like I’ll tell you today, that I’m going to be here.”

Hurts also questioned the suggestions he might transfer after being replaced by Tua Tagovailoa in the second half of the national championship game.

“Why (transfer) when you’re 15 hours away (from graduating)?” Hurts added.

Hurts deserves to be taken at his word. But it won’t end any speculation that he might finish his college football career somewhere other than Alabama. The fact that both he and Saban referenced graduating in their comments will lead to speculation about the possibility Hurts transfers after graduating which would allow him to join a new team without having to sit out a season.

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For now, Hurts is a candidate for the starting quarterback job at Alabama. When the UA quarterback depth chart is decided, it will be one many other teams will envy. It should be another exciting season for Hurts, Tagovailoa and the rest of the Crimson Tide.

Alex Byington also had video from Hurts’ time with the media: