Former Alabama linebacker Justin Okoronkwo is transferring to South Carolina.
On Friday, he revealed that he would continue playing in the SEC. After one season at Alabama, the former three-star recruit has decided to join the Gamecocks, who officially announced his signing soon after he announced his decision.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 215 pounds, Okoronkwo originally committed to Nick Saban before Kalen DeBoer took over the program. He was recognized by the 247 Composite as the top recruit from Germany in the 2024 class and ranked as the No. 47 linebacker.
Despite the coaching shift, Okoronkwo remained loyal to Alabama and earned immediate playing time under DeBoer, contributing on special teams and as a reserve linebacker.
During his freshman year, Okoronkwo recorded 14 tackles while appearing in all 13 games.
He will join the Gamecocks with four years of eligibility to play three. He has the opportunity to compete for immediate playing time since the Gamecocks need to fill the spots of their 2024 starters at linebacker, Debo Williams and Demetrius Knight. Depending on the outcome of Bam Martin-Scott’s appeal for another year, he may also be a candidate for replacement.
Should Martin-Scott’s appeal be denied, Okoronkwo will vie for a starting position alongside rising freshman Fred Johnson and Florida State transfer Shawn Murphy in the middle of South Carolina’s defense. Additionally, USC has signed a pair of linebackers from the 2025 high school class: Donovan Darden from Havelock (N.C.) High and AJ Holloway from Buford (Ga.) High.
Alabama’s linebacker corps is in good shape heading into 2025, with Justin Jefferson and Deontae Lawson returning, plus Nikhai Hill-Green transferring in from Colorado.
Okoronkwo will have the opportunity to face his former team on October 25 when the Crimson Tide visits Williams-Brice Stadium.
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