The Alabama Crimson Tide have had a hectic offseason with head coach Nick Saban retiring and players such as center Seth McLaughlin transferring, and now we're finally learning why McLaughlin decided to take his talents to the Ohio State Buckeyes.
McLaughlin was among the first players to announce his transfer following the Rose Bowl.
Ohio State OL Seth McLaughlin on why he entered the transfer portal:
"I think, personally, I've always thrived off of change. I've played for three different offensive coordinators, I've played for three offensive line coaches, two strength staffs. ..."
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So, why did McLaughlin leave Alabama for Ohio State? In his eyes, it's "one of the greatest programs in college football," and he wanted to compete for a national championship.
"I thought Ohio State's one of the greatest programs in college football," McLaughlin said. "Coming from a place like Alabama, I thought I wanted to go to another similar place that's always competing to win championships and has great coaching and great development."
McLaughlin has been in college football for four seasons. Out of 35 games, he started 24 for the Crimson Tide. However, he had some poor snaps in their loss to the Michigan Wolverines in the Rose Bowl, sparking some fan outrage.
Still, McLaughlin spoke highly of the retired Saban and the school down in Tuscaloosa.
"I thought at this point in my career, I think Alabama had done a great job of developing me from the 265-pound kid into the 300-pound center that I was. But I thought for my 5th year I could do something different, go to a new program and learn from new people, be with a new strength staff and really progress my development further ...," he said.
"I have 2 degrees from Alabama, that's always going to be my alma mater. So appreciative for everything I've done and everything that's been given to me there. But we're playing this sport to be professionals, and I just thought the change would be good for my benefit."
The Buckeyes have seen several Crimson Tide players join their ranks. In addition to McLaughlin, quarterback Julian Sayin and defensive back Caleb Downs have left Tuscaloosa for Columbus.
