Transfer Portal Insights
In the transfer portal, we see a mix of players. DB Jahlil Hurley is a reserve, while DL Hunter Osborne is buried in the depth chart. DL Jehiem Oatis quit back in early October, and LB Keanu Koht followed suit in early November, transferring to Vandy. OL Miles McVay is a reserve, and OL Naquil Betrand was removed from the roster in October. QB Dylan Lonergan is also buried in the depth chart. TE Danny Lewis is a fourth-teamer this year, and with two other TEs leaving, there is a need to address this position. WR Caleb Odom, Kendrick Law, and Kobe Prentice all struggled to get the QB to pass to them.
On the other hand, some players are out of eligibility. DB Malachi Moore, DL Tim Smith, DL Jah-Marien Latham, LB Que Robinson, P James Burnip, TE Robbie Ouzts, SN Kneeland Hibbett (on and off scholarship), TE CJ Dippre, PK Graham Nicholson, and LB Justin Jefferson are no longer eligible to play. However, for now, everyone else is assumed to be coming back, including center Parker Brailsford(!!).
Players Likely to Head to the NFL
LB Jihaad Campbell Jr., OL Tyler Booker Jr., LB Deontae Lawson R-Jr., and QB Jalen Milroe R-Jr. are likely to pursue an NFL career. These players have shown potential and are expected to make an impact at the next level.
There are also some players who may have a chance in the NFL. DB Domani Jackson Jr., WR Germie Bernard Jr., DL LT Overton Jr., and RB Jam Miller Jr. are in this category. They have shown promise and will be looking to take the next step in their careers.
Visiting Transfers
WR KC Concepcion from NC State is a Charlotte native who was the 2023 ACC Rookie of the Year. He had 53 receptions, 460 yards, and 6 touchdowns in 2024. However, this season, his targets dropped from 105 to 88, and his carries dropped from 41 to 19. He recently cancelled a trip to Texas A&M and is now visiting the Capstone today, Thursday. TE Luke Hasz from Arkansas is a big position of need for the Tide. Alabama was a finalist for his signature two years ago. Proximity to his Oklahoma hometown may have influenced his original decision. Now, he is visiting today, Thursday. IOL Patrick Kutas from Arkansas is also visiting. It's not clear how serious Bama is about him, as he may have just come along with Hasz. EDGE Kelby Collins from Florida is another transfer. Alabama recruited him for the Class of 2023. Originally a four-star edge rusher, he was moved to the interior three-tech spot, which Florida calls the "end," ahead of the 2024 season. But he failed to replicate the impact he had as a freshman when he was named Freshman All-SEC. Collins is expected on campus for his visit starting on Friday.
Other Noteworthy Movements
LSU safety Sage Ryan has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. He had an impressive 2024 season with 41 tackles, 12 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, and an interception. He had Alabama as a finalist during his high school recruitment and was even Crystal Balled to the Tide by experts. Alabama is also getting a transfer from punter Blake Doud, who played for Colorado School of Mines for two seasons. It's unclear if he will be on scholarship. He is expected to compete with incoming freshman Alex Asparuhov to take over for James Burnip. Kneeland Hibbett had an amazing four years as the Tide's starting long snapper. Alabama will be looking for a replacement, but it may not be in the portal. Jay Williams was brought in as a preferred walk-on this season and may be the leader for that role, though there are two others on the roster. According to Charlie Potter of on3.com, because Alabama has a bowl game after the Dec. 28 window closes, there will be five extra days after the bowl game for Crimson Tide players to enter the portal.
Defensively, the Tide has needs in the defensive line, linebacker, offensive line, tight end, and wide receiver positions. These are areas where they are actively working to address through transfers and other means.