The departure of legendary coach Nick Saban from Alabama football sent shockwaves through the team, leading to significant roster changes. One of the most notable was the initial transfer of former 5-star left tackle Kadyn Proctor to Iowa. However, Proctor's time with the Hawkeyes was short-lived. After a brief stint, he re-entered the transfer portal and returned to Alabama. His comeback provided a much-needed boost to the Crimson Tide's offensive line in the 2024 season. Despite playing through injuries, Proctor showed remarkable improvement and emerged as one of the top returning left tackles for 2025, positioning himself as a potential top draft pick in 2026.
Leaving Alabama: A Decision Driven by Circumstances
When Nick Saban announced his retirement, it triggered a wave of uncertainty among players who had come to Alabama specifically to play under his leadership. Kadyn Proctor, like many others, felt this impact deeply. The allure of playing for Saban had been a key factor in his decision to join the Crimson Tide. With Saban stepping down, Proctor began to question whether staying in Alabama was still the best choice for him. Rumors suggested that he was also feeling homesick, which further fueled his desire to return closer to home.
In an interview featured in Fox Nation’s documentary series "The Tides that Bind," Proctor revealed more about his initial decision to leave. He admitted that the absence of Saban made it easier for him to consider transferring. The opportunity to play for the Hawkeyes, who had been runners-up in his high school recruitment, seemed like a fresh start. However, once at Iowa, Proctor found that the team's priorities did not align with his ambitions. He missed hearing discussions about national championships, realizing that Iowa's focus was different from what he had envisioned for his college career.
Returning to Alabama: A Second Chance at Greatness
After only a few months at Iowa, Proctor decided to re-enter the transfer portal. This time, he chose to return to Alabama, where he could resume his journey with the Crimson Tide. His return was met with enthusiasm from both the coaching staff and fans, as it provided a significant boost to the offensive line. Proctor started 11 out of 13 games in the 2024 season, despite missing the first two due to injury. Playing through pain, he demonstrated remarkable growth from his freshman struggles and became one of the top returning left tackles in the country for 2025.
In the same documentary, Proctor shared insights into what brought him back to Alabama. He realized that the environment and aspirations of the Crimson Tide matched his own goals better than those at Iowa. Returning to Alabama allowed him to reconnect with his teammates and coaches, and to pursue the championship dreams he had initially sought. Although the 2024 season did not meet all expectations, Proctor's presence on the field was invaluable. As Alabama looks ahead to the 2025 season, having a solid anchor at left tackle will be crucial in their pursuit of the ultimate goal—something Proctor never heard mentioned during his brief stay in Iowa.