Nick Saban and Alabama once had a stranglehold on the SEC during the peak of their powers. However, the conference is currently as wide open as ever with 6 teams currently featured in the AP poll.

Heading into No. 13 Alabama’s clash with visiting No. 15 Ole Miss, Saban references the transfer portal as a major factor for evening the playing filed in the SEC during a Wednesday press conference.

“I think there is more parity to your point and I think that because there’s more multiples of ways to bring players to your team I think sometimes the stronger teams lose some of their depth on their team that goes someplace else to play,” Saban said.

Saban added that the ability to acquire veteran playmakers without them having to redshirt is a valuable resource for immediately retooling.

“I think some of the teams that are trying to improve have more opportunity to do that because they have greater resources as to where they can get players, especially more experienced players that are ready to play as soon as they get on campus,” Saban said.

Ole Miss at Alabama is slated for Sept. 23 at 3:30 p.m. EST and will be televised on CBS. Alabama is currently on a 7-game winning streak against Ole Miss in a series which they lead 54-10-2.