When you’re an elite team like Alabama, it can be hard to find big-name non-conference foes willing to risk their seasons to play you.

However, to open the 2021 season, the Tide do have a big-name opponent from the ACC, as they’ll open the year against Miami.

Since then, Miami coach Mark Richt has resigned, and on Wednesday, he was part of the ESPN panel hosting National Signing Day coverage. As you can see below, as Alabama was putting together one of the best recruiting classes ever, Richt joked that he’s glad he won’t have to face those guys in a few years:

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“Did someone say don’t schedule Bama?” Richt said to the other panelists. “Well when I was with Miami, I scheduled Bama, and then I like, hit the road.”

The class Alabama has for 2019 is No. 1 in the nation. Those athletes should be key contributors in 2021, and the Tide will likely continue to be a powerhouse based on the strength of their recruiting.