Bryce Young and Will Anderson WILL play for Alabama in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Eve

Alabama coach Nick Saban confirmed to reporters Friday night that quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson will play in the Sugar Bowl on Dec. 31 rather than signing off for NFL draft preparation.

According to Saban, the Crimson Tide actually had no players who retired from bowl play.

Young is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, and Anderson, who is considered one of the top defensive picks available, is also expected to be a strong pick.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is widely expected to be drafted #1 in the 2023 NFL Draft

Will Anderson (right) is also going high in the draft, but will initially play for Alabama in their bowl

In recent years, more and more players have chosen to sit out bowl games to protect their bodies and, in turn, their draw stock. Saban referred to Young and Anderson’s decisions as team first moves.

“I think it’s a great example of guys who respect their teammates,” Saban said, “want to be a part of their team, know the impact they can make, the value they can create, the value they can create for themselves create yourself by playing well against good competition.

“I’m very proud of these guys. We will support them in any way we can.”

Young has confirmed he will be playing in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Eve rather than opting out

Anderson was previously picked as the No. 1 and has 51 tackles so far this season

Alabama (10-2) missed the SEC championship game and finished ranked 5th in the College Football Playoffs, the first team out of the playoff field. The Crimson Tide meets Big 12 champion Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl.

Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, has continued a breakout season by completing 64.1 percent of his passes for 3,007 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions so far.

Once considered a likely No. 1 draft pick in 2023, Anderson has had 51 tackles, 10 sacks and a pick-6 this season.