Who's leaving and who's joining: Alabama football's Transfer Portal tracker
Who’s leaving and who’s joining: Alabama football’s Transfer Portal tracker
When Kalen DeBoer stepped in as Alabama’s head football coach earlier this year, he faced an unprecedented challenge. Following Nick Saban’s retirement, the NCAA Transfer Portal became a significant obstacle, creating a temporary free-for-all. A 30-day transfer window opened, allowing Alabama players to seek opportunities elsewhere without restriction. Rival programs were quick to pounce, hoping to capitalize on the uncertainty and recruit talent away from the Crimson Tide. For DeBoer, it was a one-sided battle—he could only focus on retaining the players he inherited, unable to replace those who chose to leave.
Fast forward to the current transfer cycle, and the dynamics have shifted. Now, DeBoer and his staff have the opportunity to make strategic additions to the roster through the Transfer Portal, aiming to strengthen the team and better align with his vision for the program. The emphasis is no longer solely on retention but also on acquiring players who fit the culture and system DeBoer is building in Tuscaloosa.
While a mass exodus of players leaving Alabama isn’t expected this time, there will still be departures. Some players will enter the portal in search of greater playing time or a fresh start elsewhere. On the flip side, Alabama is actively pursuing new talent to fill gaps and elevate its competitiveness in the seasons to come.
Here’s a breakdown of the current Transfer Portal activity involving Alabama, including players leaving the program, targets the Tide is pursuing, and any new commitments to the roster.
Alabama Players in the Transfer Portal
Several Alabama players have already decided to enter the portal, opening up possibilities for new destinations. These players include:
- Defensive Lineman (DL) Jeheim Oatis
- Linebacker (LB) Keanu Koht – Committed to Vanderbilt
- Wide Receiver (WR) Kobe Prentice
- Defensive Back (DB) Jahlil Hurley
- Wide Receiver Caleb Odom
- Wide Receiver Kendrick Law
- Offensive Lineman (OL) Miles McVay
- Defensive Lineman Hunter Osborne
- Offensive Lineman Naquil Bertrand
- Tight End (TE) Danny Lewis
- Quarterback (QB) Dylan Lonergan
- Running Back (RB) Justice Haynes
These departures reflect the diverse motivations that players have for entering the portal. For some, it’s about finding a better fit or escaping a crowded depth chart. For others, the decision might be influenced by the desire for a new environment or more immediate playing opportunities.
Alabama Targets in the Transfer Portal
On the recruiting side, Alabama is aggressively pursuing players from other programs who could provide immediate impact and long-term value. Notable targets include:
- Kelby Collins (Defensive Lineman, Florida): A highly regarded prospect who could bolster Alabama’s defensive line.
- Kevin Concepcion (Wide Receiver, NC State): Known for his playmaking ability, Concepcion could bring dynamic energy to Alabama’s receiving corps.
- Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy (Defensive Lineman, Texas A&M): A powerful presence on the defensive front, Brownlow-Dindy would enhance Alabama’s pass rush and run defense.
- Nate Boerkircher (Tight End, Nebraska): A versatile tight end with solid receiving and blocking skills, Boerkircher could be a valuable addition to Alabama’s offensive schemes.
- Mansoor Delane (Cornerback, Virginia Tech): An emerging talent in the secondary, Delane offers the potential to strengthen Alabama’s pass defense.
These players are seen as potential upgrades who align with the strategic direction DeBoer envisions for the team. Their skills and experience could make them critical contributors in the upcoming season.
Alabama’s Transfer Portal Commitments
As of now, Alabama has not secured any commitments from Transfer Portal players, but the staff is actively working to change that. With several top-tier targets on their radar, it’s only a matter of time before the Tide lands reinforcements.
Understanding the NCAA Transfer Portal Timeline
The NCAA Transfer Portal is a mechanism that allows student-athletes to explore new opportunities while maintaining a structured timeline. The current portal window opened on December 9th, providing a 20-day period for players to enter their names. However, Alabama’s unique circumstances extend this deadline slightly. Since the Crimson Tide’s bowl game falls after the official close of the portal window on December 29th, Alabama players will have an additional five days post-game to declare their intentions. This means the portal window remains open for Alabama players until January 5th.
This rule applies to all teams playing in bowl games or College Football Playoff contests that occur after the December 29th deadline. The extension ensures that players participating in postseason games have the same opportunity to assess their options as those whose seasons concluded earlier.
Strategic Implications for Alabama
The Transfer Portal’s evolution has created a new layer of complexity in college football roster management. For Alabama, it’s both a challenge and an opportunity. DeBoer’s first transfer cycle highlighted the vulnerabilities created by coaching transitions. Without the ability to bring in replacements, retaining talent was the sole priority. Now, with the ability to recruit from the portal, the focus shifts to building a roster that reflects DeBoer’s coaching philosophy and long-term vision.
The portal also serves as a reflection of the shifting priorities in college football. Players are increasingly prioritizing immediate playing time, NIL opportunities, and alignment with coaching styles. For Alabama, retaining key contributors while targeting high-impact transfers will be critical to maintaining the program’s competitive edge.
The Broader Impact of the Transfer Portal
The Transfer Portal has fundamentally changed how college football operates. Coaches must now balance traditional recruiting with portal activity, navigating a landscape where rosters can experience significant turnover in a matter of weeks. For programs like Alabama, the portal offers a chance to address immediate needs but also presents risks, as rival teams can target their players.
From a player’s perspective, the portal is a powerful tool for career advancement. It provides a structured way to explore new opportunities while maintaining eligibility. However, it also comes with uncertainty. Not all players who enter the portal find a new home, and the process can disrupt team chemistry and continuity.
Looking Ahead
As the January 5th deadline approaches for Alabama players, the next few weeks will be critical. DeBoer and his staff must navigate the dual priorities of retaining top talent and recruiting new players who can elevate the program. With several high-profile targets in their sights, Alabama has the potential to emerge from this transfer cycle stronger and better positioned for success in the 2024 season.
While the Transfer Portal has introduced a new era of unpredictability in college football, it also offers opportunities for programs willing to adapt. For Alabama, this cycle represents a chance to redefine its roster and set the stage for a new chapter under DeBoer’s leadership. Whether through strategic acquisitions or retaining cornerstone players, the Crimson Tide’s approach to the portal will undoubtedly shape the team’s trajectory in the coming years.
