Kalen DeBoer, the head coach of the University of Alabama football program, is no stranger to the ever-evolving landscape of college football. One of the most critical strategies for building a successful football program in recent years has been to leverage the Transfer Portal. This tool allows players to move between schools, and DeBoer has already demonstrated his ability to bring in top-tier talent through this avenue. As we assess the players who have entered Alabama’s program via the Transfer Portal under DeBoer, it’s important to highlight not just their stats but also their potential impact on the Crimson Tide’s performance. Here’s a ranking of the top five athletes who have entered Alabama’s program through the Transfer Portal under Kalen DeBoer’s leadership.
1. Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – Georgia Tech)
Position: Running Back
Previous School: Georgia Tech
Year of Transfer: 2022
A standout talent in the Transfer Portal, Jahmyr Gibbs made an immediate impact in his first season with Alabama. Coming from Georgia Tech, Gibbs was a known commodity after putting up impressive numbers in the ACC. He finished the 2021 season with 746 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns despite playing for a Georgia Tech team that struggled to maintain consistent offensive play.
In Alabama’s high-powered offense, Gibbs was able to showcase his skills in a way that raised his profile nationally. He possesses a rare blend of vision, speed, and receiving ability, making him a dual-threat back. His ability to both rush for significant yards and catch passes out of the backfield allowed him to be an all-purpose weapon for Alabama’s offense.
Given his elite acceleration and footwork, Gibbs quickly became one of the most dangerous running backs in college football. He helped balance Alabama’s offense, which often relied heavily on its passing game, by providing a dynamic ground attack. His addition solidified the running back position and contributed to Alabama’s overall success in both SEC and national competitions.
Gibbs’s impact wasn’t just about the numbers—his presence forced defenses to adjust, making life easier for Alabama’s quarterbacks and wide receivers. Gibbs’s performance in the 2022 season only solidified his spot as the top athlete Alabama acquired from the Transfer Portal during Kalen DeBoer’s tenure.
2. Tyler Harrell (WR – Louisville)
Position: Wide Receiver
Previous School: Louisville
Year of Transfer: 2022
Another key player for the Crimson Tide in recent years is Tyler Harrell, a wide receiver who transferred from Louisville. Harrell brings a speed element to the Alabama offense that was sorely needed, especially given the departure of key playmakers in recent years. He was known for his blazing speed and ability to stretch the field, qualities that made him an immediate target for Alabama.
At Louisville, Harrell had an explosive 2021 season, recording 523 yards and 6 touchdowns despite a relatively inconsistent quarterback play. His ability to turn any catch into a potential game-changing play was a major selling point for Alabama, especially in a conference like the SEC, where defensive schemes are typically more complex and aggressive.
His speed and playmaking ability immediately made him a top target for Alabama’s quarterbacks, and his role in the offense helped complement the team’s more traditional receivers. He provided a vertical threat that could take the top off a defense and open up opportunities for other playmakers on the roster. Harrell’s deep-threat potential became a key weapon for DeBoer’s offense, and he was instrumental in helping Alabama maintain its status as one of the premier programs in college football.
The addition of Harrell gave Alabama’s offense an added dimension, making them even more dangerous. He was one of the most sought-after wide receivers in the Transfer Portal and lived up to the hype during his time at Alabama.
3. Javion Cohen (OL – Miami)
Position: Offensive Line
Previous School: Alabama (Transferred to Miami, then returned to Alabama)
Year of Transfer: 2024 (Returned to Alabama after transferring)
Javion Cohen may be a bit of an unusual case in the Transfer Portal landscape, as he initially transferred to Miami before deciding to return to Alabama. However, his return to Alabama solidified him as one of the top athletes to re-enter the program under Kalen DeBoer. A former top recruit out of high school, Cohen was a key part of Alabama’s offensive line for two seasons before making the move to Miami. His return represents a significant victory for the Crimson Tide, especially given the importance of building a strong offensive line in the SEC.
Cohen is an experienced and versatile offensive lineman, able to play multiple positions along the line. His strength and technique were evident during his first stint at Alabama, and his return gives the Crimson Tide a seasoned veteran who can help anchor the line. Offensive line play is always critical to the success of any college football program, and Cohen’s experience and leadership are invaluable assets to DeBoer’s coaching staff.
His return also offers stability and continuity for Alabama’s offense, which relies on having a solid foundation upfront to execute its running and passing schemes. With Cohen back in the fold, the Crimson Tide are better equipped to face the elite defenses of the SEC.
4. Henry To’o To’o (LB – Tennessee)
Position: Linebacker
Previous School: Tennessee
Year of Transfer: 2021
Henry To’o To’o made an immediate impact for Alabama’s defense after transferring from Tennessee in 2021. A versatile linebacker with a high football IQ, To’o To’o was one of the top defensive transfers in the country and quickly emerged as a leader on Alabama’s defense. He made his presence felt in both the run game and pass coverage, displaying an ability to read offenses and make crucial tackles in key situations.
During his time at Tennessee, To’o To’o earned a reputation as one of the best linebackers in the SEC, and he brought that same energy and talent to Alabama. His combination of speed, strength, and leadership made him an essential piece of Alabama’s defense. To’o To’o’s impact wasn’t just seen in the stat sheet—he was a vocal leader who played a key role in helping to shape the culture of Alabama’s defense.
His skill set was exactly what Alabama needed: a linebacker who could impact the game in multiple ways. His ability to cover in the passing game, rush the passer, and make tackles against the run made him one of the most complete linebackers in the SEC. To’o To’o’s leadership and versatility were essential to Alabama’s defense, which was ranked among the nation’s best during his tenure.
5. Emil Ekiyor Jr. (OL – Alabama – Transferred to the NFL)
Position: Offensive Line
Previous School: Alabama
Year of Transfer: N/A (Moved to NFL)
Although Emil Ekiyor Jr. did not transfer in the traditional sense, as he was already part of Alabama’s program, his shift to the NFL represents a major development in the Crimson Tide’s offensive line. His decision to declare for the NFL Draft was a huge achievement for the program and reflects the elite talent that DeBoer continues to attract to Alabama’s football program.
Ekiyor was a starting guard for Alabama’s offensive line, and his leadership and playmaking ability were crucial in the Crimson Tide’s success. His decision to enter the NFL Draft was an acknowledgment of his skill and potential, and while he won’t be playing in Alabama’s upcoming seasons, his presence in the program helped set a standard for future offensive linemen.
