Alabama football DB starter will transfer to Notre Dame: Reports
Alabama football DB starter will transfer to Notre Dame: Reports
Former Alabama defensive back DeVonta Smith has reportedly decided on his next destination in college football. According to multiple sources, Smith is set to transfer to Notre Dame.
Pete Nakos of On3 was the first to report the news. Smith, who served as one of Alabama’s starting safeties during the 2024 season, entered the transfer portal shortly after the regular season concluded, taking advantage of the current entry window.
Smith spent four years with the Crimson Tide program, enduring challenges such as injuries that hindered his performance in 2023. Despite these setbacks, he remained committed to Alabama through a coaching transition and eventually saw significant playing time this past season.
During the 2024 campaign, Smith became a key piece of Alabama’s defense, serving as the primary starter at the safety position known as the “husky” under defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. His contributions included 30 tackles, a forced fumble, and five pass breakups, showcasing his ability to impact the game on multiple levels.
Smith’s move to Notre Dame comes as the Fighting Irish prepare for a postseason run. The team secured a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) and is set to face Indiana in a first-round game at home. Ranked as the No. 5 seed in the CFP, Notre Dame has demonstrated strong performances throughout the season, and Smith’s arrival will likely bolster their roster moving forward.
Back in Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s 2024 season is not yet over. The Crimson Tide narrowly missed the College Football Playoff, finishing just outside the field after losses to Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. Instead, they will conclude their season with a matchup against Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. That game is scheduled for December 31, with kickoff set for 11 a.m. CT in Tampa, Florida, and will be broadcast on ESPN.
As Smith transitions to his new role at Notre Dame, the transfer portal remains active. The current window for undergraduate players to enter the portal is open through December 29, offering opportunities for more player movement across college football.
Smith’s decision to transfer aligns with broader trends in the sport, as players increasingly seek opportunities that best suit their athletic and academic aspirations. Notre Dame, with its storied history and recent success, presents a compelling choice for Smith as he looks to continue his football career at the collegiate level.
