Blake Barnett transferring from Alabama, Saban confirms

The Blake Barnett era at Alabama is officially over.

Just 24 hours after a report surfaced that the highly touted quarterback was transferring from the program, head coach Nick Saban confirmed the news following practice Thursday.

"We received word this afternoon that Blake Barnett has officially withdrawn from school and is no longer with our program," Saban said in a statement. "The quarterback position is a very unique position where only one player can play. We are very disappointed any time a player leaves the program who feels he can compete for a starting position elsewhere, rather than here at Alabama. We wish Blake the very best of luck in the future."

Barnett was ranked by ESPN as the No. 1 pocket-passer in the 2015 recruiting cycle, and began the 2016 season as the starting quarterback against USC. Saban opted to pull the California native in favor of freshman Jalen Hurts, who's shone in the Crimson Tide's 4-0 start.

In four games with the Alabama program, Barnett threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns.