5 positions where Alabama could use a NCAA transfer portal upgrade
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The NCAA transfer portal is open. And Alabama football is looking to make moves.
After finishing the 2025 season in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl, Alabama lost multiple members of its roster to the transfer portal, but is also looking to upgrade ahead of the 2026 season.
Here are a few positions the Crimson Tide could look to make moves in.
Offensive line
Alabama could have its share of holes to fill on the offensive line.
Alabama is still waiting on answers from left tackle Kadyn Proctor, a likely 2026 NFL first-round draft pick, and center Parker Brailsford. But the Crimson Tide has one hole to fill at left guard left vacant by Kam Dewberry and Geno VanDeMark, which could be potentially filled by a player like William Sanders.
Michael Carroll is now the only set starter standing after Wilkin Formby announced Sunday, Jan. 4 he would enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Left tackle is a big question mark. Jackson Lloyd could be an answer, but — with 41 snaps as a true freshman per Pro Football Focus — he doesn’t have ample experience. Portal help may be needed at the top of the depth chart and to fill out the rest of the room after the losses of Joseph Ionata and Olaus Alinen to the transfer portal.
Inside linebacker
Both of Alabama’s starting inside linebackers are out of collegiate eligibility in Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson. Nikhai Hill-Green, who played nearly 450 snaps, is also gone. The next linebacker with the most snaps? Cayden Jones with 53, per PFF.
The next wave of linebackers is on its way with players like Jones, QB Reese, Luke Metz and incoming freshman Xavier Griffin. But Alabama may need a veteran as an in-between for what looks right now as a significant youth movement in the middle of the Crimson Tide defense.
It’s a process Alabama seems to have already started. According to multiple reports, former Virginia Tech linebacker Caleb Woodson is scheduled to visit the Crimson Tide after recording 151 tackles, 11.5 tackles-for-loss, two sacks and an interception from 2023-25.
Defensive line
Alabama is losing both LT Overton and Tim Keenan III after the 2025 season. And while the Crimson Tide has returners in players like James Smith, Jordan Renaud, London Simmons, Edric Hill and Keon Keeley, Alabama still doesn’t have much proven depth.
Much of that depth will be freshmen, with Jamarion Matthews, Nolan Wilson, Corey Howard, Malique Franklin and Kamhariyan Johnson each joining the fold. A veteran transfer could be needed to fill the shoes left by Keenan and Overton.
Multiple reports have tied Alabama to USC defensive lineman Devan Thompkins, who has 55 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss and 4.5 sacks in the past two seasons for the Trojans.
Wide receiver
Alabama has lost a few wide receivers to the transfer portal in Jaylen Mbakwe and Jalen Hale. The Crimson Tide is also looking to replace Germie Bernard, who finished his collegiate career in the Rose Bowl.
Alabama has the pieces for a good receiver room. Ryan Williams is back. Isaiah Horton could be back if he doesn’t choose to declare for the NFL. Lotzeir Brooks is also back in the slot along with 6-4 freshman Cederian Morgan
But the Crimson Tide could also look to upgrade. Former Auburn five-star Cam Coleman is reportedly visiting Alabama.
Running back
Alabama needs to take a step up in its run game. The Crimson Tide finished with the second-worst rushing offense in the SEC where no back with more than 20 carries averaged more than 3.9 yards per rush.
Alabama may have internal answers with another year of development of Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley and AK Dear, along with the addition of five-star Alabama freshman Ezavier Crowell and Texas running back Trae’shawn Brown.
The Crimson Tide could also look elsewhere. Per multiple reports, NC State back Hollywood Smothers, who had 939 yards and six touchdowns for the Wolfpack last year, is visiting Alabama with two years of eligibility remaining.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: 5 Alabama football positions for an NCAA transfer portal upgrade
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