Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama football program faced significant challenges as the winter Transfer Portal window opened. The Crimson Tide experienced several departures, but they responded strongly on Tuesday with a pair of important portal additions, signaling their intent to improve their roster.
For Alabama, the early weeks of the Transfer Portal period were marked by more subtractions than additions. Coming off their signing class, the Tide already had a full roster, meaning some players needed to be removed to comply with scholarship limits. While losing players always stings, many of the departures thus far have involved depth pieces rather than key contributors. Despite the flurry of departures, Alabama is not in a position where they need to overhaul their roster, and they remain focused on strategic additions that will enhance their overall team.
A number of players entered the portal, some of whom played significant roles on the team last season, but most were either backup players or found themselves pushed down the depth chart due to Alabama’s wealth of talent. Among the first to enter the portal was running back Justice Haynes. Haynes, who was a co-starter alongside Jam Miller, did not appear to be a lock to remain a starter next season. Alabama has great depth at running back with Miller expected back and other talented players in the mix, including Richard Young, Daniel Hill, and Kevin Riley. Additionally, the Tide signed the No. 2 running back for the 2025 class in AK Dear, further solidifying their position at the position.
Another key departure was DeVonta Smith, who had started for much of the season. Smith’s decision to transfer to Notre Dame came as a surprise, but Alabama’s secondary is stocked with young talent, both on campus and incoming. As a result, Smith’s absence will be felt less than it might have been in years past. The Tide is well-positioned to fill his spot with other talented defensive backs, ensuring their defensive unit remains strong.
Then came the first major surprise of the portal window: Jaylen Mbakwe, a former five-star prospect and in-state recruit, entered the portal. This move quickly became a point of concern, as Mbakwe was one of the program’s brightest stars and had been an integral part of their recruiting efforts. However, Alabama’s coaching staff, led by DeBoer, quickly worked to keep Mbakwe in Tuscaloosa. On Tuesday, he announced he would stay with the Tide, turning down lucrative offers from other programs. His decision was a significant victory for Alabama, as they successfully re-recruited one of their own top talents, keeping him on the roster for the foreseeable future.
Mbakwe’s decision to remain in Tuscaloosa was a testament to the Alabama coaching staff’s ability to manage the transfer portal and maintain the commitment of their own players. It also highlighted the program’s strength in retaining talent, even when faced with outside pressures and heavy portal interest. Mbakwe, along with tight end Danny Lewis Jr., who also decided to stay, became prime examples of how DeBoer and his staff are focused on re-recruiting their own players, rather than relying too heavily on bringing in outside talent.
In addition to re-recruiting Mbakwe, Alabama made a notable addition in the portal when they secured a commitment from Florida defensive lineman Kelby Collins. The former Gator, who is an Alabama native, had a strong freshman season but saw less action as a sophomore after a position change. Collins will join the Crimson Tide as a Bandit in Kane Wommack’s defensive system, filling the void left by the departure of senior Jah-Marien Latham. The addition of Collins is particularly significant given the uncertainty surrounding the NFL draft decisions of players like LT Overton. If Overton opts to return to Alabama for another season, he and Collins will form a formidable defensive line duo.
Collins’ commitment represents the type of strategic addition that DeBoer and the Alabama staff are prioritizing in the portal. Rather than bringing in a high volume of transfers, the coaching staff is focused on finding players who fit their system and provide immediate upgrades at key positions. Collins fits this mold perfectly, and his addition bolsters Alabama’s defensive front, which will be crucial as they look to compete for championships next season.
Despite their emphasis on re-recruiting and adding only a few key pieces, Alabama will continue to monitor the portal for potential upgrades. The program is not following the approach of teams like Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin, who has built his roster through mass transfers, or Auburn, where Hugh Freeze is attempting a similar strategy. Instead, DeBoer and the Alabama staff are building their roster with a more calculated approach, aiming to secure strategic additions that will strengthen the team without overhauling it entirely.
Alabama’s portal strategy is also reflective of the culture that the coaching staff is working to build. The focus on re-recruiting their own players, such as Mbakwe and Lewis, speaks to the importance of player development and retention in Tuscaloosa. DeBoer and his staff understand that maintaining continuity within the roster is key to building a championship-caliber team. At the same time, they are not afraid to make calculated additions when the right player becomes available, as evidenced by the commitment of Kelby Collins.
Overall, while Alabama’s roster faced some attrition in the portal, the Tide’s ability to respond with smart, strategic additions is a testament to the strength of their coaching staff and the direction they are heading. The commitment of players like Mbakwe and Collins shows that the program is still a force to be reckoned with, and the 2024 season could see Alabama continue to contend for national championships, with a mix of homegrown talent and carefully selected transfers. The Tide’s approach to the portal may be more measured than some of their rivals, but it is one that prioritizes long-term success and stability over quick fixes. With more portal additions likely to come, Alabama’s future remains bright as they continue to build a championship-level roster.
