Former Alabama football five-star to enter NCAA transfer portal

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

A former Alabama football five-star is heading to the NCAA transfer portal.

Jaylen Mbakwe, who joined the Crimson Tide as a five-star cornerback in the 2024 class, told On3 on Jan. 2 he will enter the transfer portal after two seasons at Alabama.

As a true freshman in 2024, Mbakwe played 221 snaps across 10 games. finishing with 15 tackles, two pass deflections, an interception and a tackle for loss.

During ReliaQuest Bowl prep, Mbakwe confirmed a report that he would enter the transfer portal, remaining in for less than 24 hours before announcing a return to the Crimson Tide in 2025.

“Some guys, just as they go through it, realize really what they want,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said in December 2024. “And, you know, we are just in the world right now where that’s what it is. We’re excited that he wanted to be here with us. And back out there going to work today.”

Mbakwe moved to wide receiver in 2025, and his production nosedived. He played only 31 snaps across four games, peaking at 19 snaps against Eastern Illinois. Mbakwe finished 2025 with three catches for 55 yards and one rush for 4 yards.

When asked before the Rose Bowl about if he would enter the NCAA transfer portal after the 2025 season, Mbakwe denied the claim.

“Definitely not,” Mbakwe told Austin Duncan Media.

Mbakwe is the fifth Alabama player to enter the transfer portal, along with Aeryn “Bubba” Hampton, Kameron Howard, Roq Montgomery and Richard Young.

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: Alabama WR Jaylen Mbakwe to enter NCAA transfer portal

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos