There could be an unexpected addition to Alabama’s quarterback battle this offseason. According to sources, there is mutual interest between the Crimson Tide and Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who is reportedly considering a transfer due to frustration with his current NIL deal.
Van Dyke has yet to enter the NCAA transfer portal, but a source close to the Miami program told Tide Illustrated that he would be interested in joining the Crimson Tide should he elect to change schools. While Alabama is not allowed to communicate with Van Dyke directly until he enters his name in the portal, Tide Illustrated understands the Tide is poised to pursue him if he elects to do so.
Van Dyke has a deal with LifeWallet, which is owned by Miami benefactor John Ruiz.
According to a report from the Miami Herald, Ruiz said Van Dyke has not made a request for more money and that the quarterback's displeasure in the deal is “news to me.” Van Dyke's NIL deals are handled by agent Drew Rosenhaus, who declined to comment when approached by the Miami Herald.
Canesport reported earlier Thursday that multiple schools have reached out to Van Dyke, via Rosenhaus Sports, with “sizable” offers with Alabama being one of those programs.
It’s unclear at the moment how Van Dyke’s arrival would affect Alabama’s quarterback room should he transfer to the Crimson Tide. Alabama is currently looking to replace former Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young behind center with redshirt sophomore Jalen Milroe and redshirt freshman Ty Simpson serving as the two leading candidates for the job. The Crimson Tide also added a pair of four-star freshmen in Eli Holstein and Dylan Lonergan this offseason.
Nick Saban has spoken positively about his quarterback room this spring, stating he is “not disappointed in anybody’s progress.” Following last weekend’s scrimmage, the head coach said Milroe and Simpson both made good plays while noting there throws they would like back.
“They’re improving,” Saban said. “I think that they’re developing some confidence in the offense in what they’re supposed to read and what they’re supposed to do. I thought we were a little up and down today. I think we made some really good plays, but I also thought we made some maybe mistakes that we need to eliminate.”
Van Dyke, a fourth-year junior, earned ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2021 after completing 62.3% of his passes for 2,931 yards and 25 touchdowns with six interceptions. However, he took a step back last season while dealing with a shoulder injury, completing 63.2% of his throws for 1,844 yards and 10 touchdowns with five interceptions over nine games. The 6-foot-4, 224-pound Glastonbury, Connecticut native was rated as the No. 8 quarterback and No. 204 player in the 2020 class. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
The spring transfer window opened on April 15 and will close on April 30. Players have until then to enter the transfer portal in order to be eligible to play for a new team this fall.
This report will be updated. 
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