The new redshirt rule is already having a huge effect on the college football world.

On Wednesday, Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant, who has played in four games this season but was demoted to the bench, announced he would be redshirting this season and transferring to a new school.

The new rule allows players to play in four or fewer games and still use a redshirt. This leads to scenarios like the one involving Kelly.

During Wednesday’s SEC Coaches’ Teleconference, many SEC coaches were asked about the redshirt rule and its impact. Here’s what they said:

  • Alabama coach Nick Saban: “I think we have a responsibility and an obligation as coaches that have programs that we support players and help them be successful personally, academically and athletically. And then they have an obligation on their side of it to play. It’s a little bit of a slippery slope when players start to decide whether they’re going to play or not. I’m not saying that there’s not some circumstances out there where it’s not beneficial for the player to save a year so that he can play in another circumstance, but those things probably should be mutually agreed upon.”
  • Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason: “I think it is a surprise, to be honest. It’s a coincidence of what you see in the rule, but at the end of the day, the rule was made and now what we are doing is giving young people a chance to figure out where they belong, even if all the guys transfer.”
  • Florida coach Dan Mullen: “I think a disgruntled player is going to transfer either way. The four-game rule, you may see one or two of those, but it is such a big positive on guys’ careers. I don’t think it has a huge effect on it.”
  • Arkansas coach Chad Morris: “It’s probably a surprise. I don’t think anyone saw this coming, what it could lead to. I don’t think we saw this coming. … I think it’s on everyone’s radar now. You understand it and you move on with it.”