Alabama expects its stars to play in its Sugar Bowl matchup against Kansas State later this month. Following Friday's practice, Nick Saban confirmed reports that his team isn't expecting any of its players to opt out of the bowl game. That includes quarterback Bryce Young and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., who are expected to be top-10 picks in next year’s NFL Draft.

"I think that Will and Bryce coming back to play in the game speaks volumes of the kind of culture we have in the program," Saban said. "Guys like that wanting to try to improve themselves and have respect for their teammates to come back. They're the leaders on the team. They're the most inspirational players, so that's something I think that is very special as well."

Saban said he spoke with both Anderson and Young, explaining the pros and cons of playing in the game. However, ultimately the decision came down to the players and their families.

"I think these two guys are great competitors, and that's why they want to play," Saban said. "They want to try to continue to create value for themselves, be good teammates, help their teammates play well in the game. That may sound old-fashioned in a lot of ways, but I sort of respect that."

Along with Young and Anderson, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and defensive back Brian Branch have been projected as first-round picks. Possible Day 2 selections include safety Jordan Battle, linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor Jr. and defensive lineman Byron Young.

Saban expressed pride in his players' decision to play in the game while stating that the university would provide injury insurance to "minimize the risk of them playing in the game."

"I can't tell you how much I respect them as competitors," Saban said, "guys that have been great teammates on this team and the leadership they have given and are showing and the leadership they continue to show by playing in this game."

While Alabama isn't expecting any opt-outs, it has seen 12 scholarship players enter the transfer portal. Those players are no longer participating in team activities and will not take part in the bowl game.

"It is what it is," Saban said. "I have no control over it. I have a lot of respect for the guys that sort of want to be at Alabama, want to play for Alabama, want to compete for Alabama, want to be a part of the team, have respect for their teammates in terms of what they can do to help their team.

"But it's the culture of college football, and people have the choice to do whatever they choose to do. My choice is to coach the guys that we have here that want to play for us."

Friday, the Crimson Tide held the first of seven bowl practices in Tuscaloosa, Ala., before traveling to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl.

No. 5 Alabama will play No. 9 Kansas State on Dec. 31 inside the Caesars Superdome. The game is set to kick off at 11 a.m. CT and will be televised on ESPN.