Where former Alabama transfers will play college football in 2026

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Over the last couple of years, the Alabama Crimson Tide have seen some notable names depart the program via the NCAA transfer portal, a significant number of which are still at the collegiate level.

When looking at that lengthy list of names, this past offseason saw players such as Caleb Downs and Kobe Prentice, among others, move on to the NFL, while the likes of Justice Haynes returned to college.

In addition to that, Alabama also saw over 20+ players enter the transfer portal this past offseason alone, with the group headlined by some big names such as Isaiah Horton, James Smith, Wilkin Formby, and Qua Russaw.

A group likely to make an impact during the 2026 season with their respective teams, here is where former Alabama transfers will be playing college football this fall.

Quarterback

Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes
Eli Holstein, Virginia Cavaliers
Dylan Lonergan, Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Julian Sayin is back as Ohio State's starting quarterback this season, and should be one of the top players in the sport. Eli Holstein and Dylan Lonergan are also with new teams at Virginia and Rutgers, respectively.

Running Back

Justice Haynes, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Richard Young, Colorado Buffaloes
JR Gardner, Alabama State Hornets

Justice Haynes was one of college football's top transfers this past offseason, transferring to Georgia Tech after a year at Michigan. Richard Young also departed the Crimson Tide program this past offseason, transferring to the Colorado Buffaloes.

Wide Receiver

Isaiah Horton, Texas A&M Aggies
Shazz Preston, Indiana Hoosiers
Cole Adams, Vanderbilt Commodores
Jalen Hale, SMU Mustangs
Jaren Hamilton, Arizona State Sun Devils
Aeryn Hampton, Oregon State Beavers
Sawyer Deerman, Murray State Racers

After leading Alabama with eight receiving touchdowns a year ago, Isaiah Horton transferred within the SEC over the offseason to Texas A&M, as did a few another Crimson Tide wideout in Cole Adams to Vanderbilt. Shazz Preston is a player who transferred once again this past offseason, joining defending national champion Indiana after two years at Tulane.

Tight End

Caleb Odom, Ole Miss Rebels
Elijah Brown, Kentucky Wildcats
Ty Lockwood, Arkansas Razorbacks

Caleb Odom and Elijah Brown are back at Ole Miss and Kentucky in 2026, while Ty Lockwood returns to the SEC this fall. Lockwood transferred to Arkansas after a year at Boston College.

Offensive Line

Wilkin Formby, Texas A&M Aggies
Elijah Pritchett, Nebraska Cornhuskers
Miles McVay, Mississippi State Bulldogs
Olaus Alinen, Kentucky Wildcats
Naquil Betrand, Syracuse Orange
Roq Montgomery, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Joseph Ionata, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Micah DeBose, Vanderbilt Commodores
Arkel Anugwom, Northwestern Wildcats

Wilkin Formby is likely set to start along Texas A&M's offensive line in 2026, as are a few other former Crimson Tide linemen with their respective teams this fall. That will include Miles McVay, Olaus Alinen, and Micah DeBose within the SEC at Mississippi State, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt, respectively.

Defensive Line

James Smith, Ohio State Buckeyes
Keon Keeley, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Jehiem Oatis, Ole Miss Rebels
Khurtiss Perry, Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Kelby Collins, South Carolina Gamecocks
Hunter Osborne, Arkansas Razorbacks
Isaiah Hastings, Syracuse Orange

James Smith transferring to Ohio State was a move that garnered national headlines during the offseason, as did Keon Keeley to Notre Dame. Jehiem Oatis is also back in the SEC following a season at Colorado, transferring to Ole Miss

Outside Linebacker

Qua Russaw, Ohio State Buckeyes
Jordan Renaud, Ole Miss Rebels
Noah Carter, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Alabama lost three outside linebackers to the portal this past offseason, one of which remains in the SEC in Jordan Renaud at Ole Miss. Qua Russaw projects as an impact player at Ohio State, as does Noah Carter at Georgia Tech.

Inside Linebacker

Justin Okoronkwo, South Carolina Gamecocks
Tony Mitchell, Ole Miss Rebels
Jeremiah Alexander, Clemson Tigers
Shawn Murphy, South Carolina Gamecocks
Sterling Dixon, NC State Wolfpack

Two of South Carolina's top linebackers this season could be former Alabama transfers in Justin Okoronkwo and Shawn Murphy. Tony Mitchell is also back in the SEC this season, transferring to Ole Miss from Mississippi State.

Cornerback

Dezz Ricks, Texas A&M Aggies
Earl Little Jr., Ohio State Buckeyes
Antonio Kite, Ole Miss Rebels
Tre'Quon Fegans, Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Jaylen Mbakwe, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Cam Calhoun, Ohio State Buckeyes
Jahlil Hurley, Kansas Jayhawks
Jamroc Grimsley, Mississippi State Bulldogs

Dezz Ricks will start at Texas A&M yet again in 2026, as could Antonio Kite and Earl Little Jr. at Ole Miss and Ohio State, respectively. Cam Calhoun is set to be a teammate of Little at Ohio State this season, while Jaylen Mbakwe will likely be a full-time corner at Georgia Tech.

Safety

King Mack, NC State Wolfpack
Peyton Woodyard, Oregon Ducks
Jake Pope, UNLV Rebels
Kameron Howard, Boston College Eagles
Kolby Peavy, Southern Miss Golden Eagles

King Mack headlines the former Alabama safety transfers, departing Penn State over the offseason for NC State. Kameron Howard transferred to Boston College this past offseason following two years in Tuscaloosa.

Special Teams

Upton Bellenfant, South Carolina Gamecocks
Peter Notaro, West Virginia Mountaineers
David Bird, California Golden Bears

Peter Notaro and David Bird both transferred from Alabama this past offseason. Upton Bellenfant is back in the SEC at South Carolina following a season at Buffalo and Texas Tech.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Where former Alabama transfers will play college football in 2026

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