Jalen Hurts is no longer the starter for Alabama, but he’s still one of the biggest topics in college football.

What will Hurts decide to do after the season? Redshirting at this point seems very unlikely, as he’s already played in three games with four being the maximum for a redshirt candidate.

Credit Hurts, though, for his continued great attitude and improved play this year. Sure, he’s not Tua Tagovailoa good, but he’s improved. Alabama would also likely be 3-0 with Hurts under center, too, but the record-setting offense wouldn’t be as explosive.

Nonetheless, Hurts has come off the bench this season, and he looks like a better QB. He’s 19-of-28 for 248 yards and four passing TDs, while adding 61 rushing yards. Most notably, Hurts threw two TDs against Ole Miss Saturday night and looked good doing it.

On Monday during Nick Saban’s normal media availability, he was asked about Hurts’ improvement as a passer.

“I think Jalen has improved in the pocket,” Saban said. “There’s no doubt about that. There’s never been any questions about his arm talent. It’s always been making decisions and choices about his second reads. That type of thing. I think he’s really made a lot of improvement on (those). I think when he’s done those things, he’s had really good success. A consistency and a continuing to do those kinds of things is the key to him in the future.”

Hurts has improved this year, and here are a few reasons why. First, he’s had to compete against arguably the best QB in college football every single day in Tagovailoa. Not being left in the dust as a passer in a QB competition will make a player better. Another very important reason for Hurts’ improvement has been QB coach Dan Enos. Enos coached at Arkansas prior to his stop at Alabama. Lastly, promoting OC Mike Locksley certainly looks like the right move. He’s a great play caller, and it sure seems he’s aided in Hurts’ development, too.

It’ll be interesting to see how Saban handles Hurts the rest of the season.

You can watch Nick Saban’s full press conference below: