The winter transfer portal is currently open, with most schools set to close it on December 28. However, a peculiar NCAA rule allows players an additional five days after their bowl games to enter the portal, meaning Tide players have until January 5.
TRANSFERS OUT
- CB Jahlil Hurley – Reserve > Kansas
- DL Hunter Osborne – Lower on the depth chart > Virginia
- DL Jehiem Oatis – Quit in early October > Colorado
- LB Keanu Koht – Quit in early November > Vanderbilt
- OL Miles McVay – Reserve > North Carolina
- OL Naquil Betrand – Removed from roster in October > Syracuse
- QB Dylan Lonergan – Lower on the depth chart > Boston College
- S DeVonta Smith – Uncertain starting role > Notre Dame
- TE Danny Lewis – Withdrew from the portal > Alabama
- WR Caleb Odom – 7 receptions, 65 yards, 0 TD > Ole Miss
- WR Kendrick Law – 10 receptions, 105 yards, 1 TD, 8 rushes, 40 yards > Kentucky
- WR Kobe Prentice – 11 receptions, 129 yards, 1 TD > Baylor
- WR Emmanuel Henderson – 4 receptions, 82 yards, 0 TD > Kansas
- RB Justice Haynes – Undecided, visited Michigan and South Carolina
- CB Jaylen Mbakwe – Did not enter the portal and remains with the Crimson Tide.
ANALYSIS: Similar to last year, critics of Alabama focus on the number of transfers rather than their impact. While Haynes may be the most notable loss, it’s more a disappointment than a severe blow. Smith was a starter but at risk of losing his spot, and Payne was in the rotation without being a game-changer. The group of receivers contributed but didn’t leave a strong mark. Some arrived with high expectations but didn’t deliver, and a few faced attitude issues or were lower on the depth chart.
The transfer destinations could offer some relief. Two players are heading to Kansas, several to ACC schools, and none are joining rival teams. Beyond Koht’s transfer to Vanderbilt, Alabama isn’t set to face any of these programs in 2025, making the situation less dire than it may seem to those outside the loop.
TRANSFERS IN
- WR Isaiah Horton, Miami-FL – 6’4″, 205 lbs, with 56 receptions for 616 yards and 5 TDs this season. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
- CB Cameron Calhoun, Utah – Played 11 games with one start this year, leading the team with nine pass breakups and recording an interception. He has three years of eligibility.
- OL Kam Dewberry, Texas A&M – Played in 34 games over three seasons, including seven starts, with over 600 snaps. A rising true senior.
- DL Kelby Collins, Florida – After a strong freshman season as an edge rusher, he’ll be returning to that position, which should improve his performance.
- LB Nikhai Hill-Green, Colorado – Second-team All-Big 12 with 54 solo tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions.
ANALYSIS: Horton looks poised to be a Day 1 starter, while Hill-Green’s impressive stats showcase his tackling ability. If Collins returns to form in the correct position, it would greatly benefit the team. Calhoun should be a solid contributor, at least filling the gap left by Smith. Dewberry’s role remains uncertain, but added depth is always valuable. Overall, it’s a strong addition for the Tide.
OUT OF ELIGIBILITY
- DB Malachi Moore
- DL Tim Smith
- LB Que Robinson
- P James Burnip
- TE Robbie Ouzts
- SN Kneeland Hibbett (inconsistent scholarship status)
- TE CJ Dippre
- PK Graham Nicholson
LIKELY NFL DRAFT
No Alabama players have declared for the NFL Draft yet, but several with eligibility are projected as Round 1 or 2 picks:
- OL Tyler Booker
- QB Jalen Milroe
- LB Jihaad Campbell
- DE LT Overton
POSSIBLE NFL DRAFT?
While not projected as top picks, these players may be considering the NFL:
- LB Deontae Lawson
- CB Domani Jackson
- WR Germie Bernard
- RB Jam Miller
- DL Jah-Marien Latham (may have a bonus season left)
- LB Justin Jefferson (reportedly looking into the Pavia loophole for eligibility)
POSITIONS OF NEED
Though Alabama has picked up just five players so far, they have addressed some needs:
- Defensive line – Collins returning to the edge is a positive development, but more interior linemen are necessary.
- Linebacker – Hill-Green fills a need, but uncertainty remains around Jefferson’s situation and Lawson’s return.
- Offensive line – Dewberry’s addition is promising, and they may pause further recruiting until spring.
- Tight end – While Lewis returning is helpful, another experienced tight end would be beneficial.
- Wide receiver – Horton enhances the receiving corps alongside healthy players and incoming freshmen.
OTHERS
Alabama hosted former Baylor safety Corey Gordon over the weekend, likely their last transfer target for now. In case you missed it, former Cal long-snapper David Bird has committed to Alabama, having started every game this season without any errors. Meanwhile, former NC State WR KC Concepcion remains uncommitted, suggesting Alabama may have passed on him due to high demands. Georgia recently lost former high four-star EDGE Samuel M’Pemba to Texas A&M, while LSU safety Sage Ryan committed to Ole Miss. Hugh Freeze at Auburn continues to prioritize receivers and quarterbacks, neglecting linemen, while defensive lineman Darron Reed seems headed to MSU.
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