The news of two Alabama quarterback transfers didn't come as a major surprise this week.

Cooper Bateman and David Cornwell have been in the program several years, so when a true freshman in Jalen Hurts wins the job, it almost becomes expected.

Nick Saban on Thursday spoke about the future for the two departing passers and if they planned to be with the team for the playoff.

"Oh, yeah, absolutely," Saban said before the College Football Awards Show in Atlanta. "They have every intention of finishing the season."

Bateman started one game last season and was the first-team quarterback on A-Day. Hurts won the job in the preseason with Blake Barnett (who also transferred during the season) landing second on the depth chart.

"I think these are situations when a younger guy won the job this year that these guys want to play someplace, and we want to -- Cooper is a graduate, so he'll be a graduate transfer, and we're very supportive of these guys," Saban said. "They've done a fantastic job for us, and we hope that they get a good opportunity and a chance to play someplace. But they will be with our team, and they're all anxious to finish the season with us."

Bateman completed 12 of 14 passes thrown this season for 119 yards and a touchdown. He is also the holder in kicking situations.

Cornwell appeared late in wins over Kent State and Mississippi State but didn't record stats.

Teammates Cam Robinson and Jonathan Allen said they understood the reason why both would seek new opportunities.

"You have to do what's best for you at the end of the day," said Allen, a finalist for the Bednarik Award. "I'm not surprised. I understand they're juniors and we have a freshman playing and they don't feel like they're going to have the opportunity that they want so they have to do what's best for them. I wish them the best of luck. I have no hard feelings toward them. It's about what they have to do for their family."