Alabama might not have brought in the flashiest Transfer Portal additions, but it undoubtedly landed some players who will be expected to make immediate impacts in Tuscaloosa.
With spring practice less than a month away, several will be looking to position themselves for starting spots, or at least major roles, on the Crimson Tide's 2026 team.
Kalen DeBoer has plenty of tough decisions on the horizon as he tries to set his team up for success the best he can.
These four players have a lot to prove heading into spring practice and could ultimately become pivotal pieces for Alabama.
These four Alabama transfers will be under the microscope in spring practice
1. WR Noah Rogers (NC State)
Alabama didn't land the big fish it wanted in Auburn transfer Cam Coleman, but it did grab NC State's Noah Rogers as a consolation prize. Rogers is a former Top 50 recruit in the 2023 high school class, but hasn't quite lived up to that lofty billing.
After starting his career at Ohio State, Rogers transferred to NC State and spent the last two seasons in Raleigh, producing 919 yards and three touchdowns combined in those two years.
While Rogers will be the favorite heading into spring practice for Alabama's WR3 spot behind Ryan Williams and Lotzeir Brooks, that spot is far from guaranteed to be his. He'll face stiff competition from returning players Rico Scott and Derek Meadows, along with incoming 4-star freshman Cederian Morgan.
Spring will be critical for Rogers in learning the playbook and separating himself from the other talented options in Tuscaloosa.
2. EDGE Desmond Umeozulu (South Carolina)
Heading into his senior season, this is the last chance for South Carolina transfer edge rusher Desmond Umeozulu to make a big impact and impress NFL Draft scouts. Playing predominantly a backup role in Columbia the last couple of seasons behind Dylan Stewart, Umeozulu has shown flashes but has yet to break out.
He'll have an opportunity in Tuscaloosa as Kane Wommack hopes to increase Alabama's production rushing the passer. He'll likely have chances opposite Yhonzae Pierre in obvious passing downs, and could play a Bandit/Wolf hybrid role for the Crimson Tide.
There are other talented players, including a plethora of impressive incoming freshmen, who will push Umeozulu for playing time.
3. LB Caleb Woodson (Virginia Tech)
When Alabama landed Virginia Tech LB Caleb Woodson early in the Transfer Portal, it seemed like a safe bet to pencil him in as one of the Crimson Tide's starting linebackers in 2026. With Alabama losing its top three off-ball 'backers in Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, and Nikhai Hill-Green, adding a player with two years of starting experience at the power four level made a ton of sense.
But not everyone is sold on Woodson winning a starting job in Tuscaloosa. Cover Crimson's Clint Lamb is one of the best in the business at breaking down film, and he has some reservations about Woodson's ability to translate into the SEC.
Lamb believes QB Reese and Luke Metz might ultimately win the starting jobs at off-ball linebacker, and you can't discount Cayden Jones, either. Woodson will jump into a four-way battle for two spots, and incoming freshman Xavier Griffin could ultimately be a factor, too.
Woodson will have his work cut out for him to earn a starting role.
4. OT Jayvin James (Mississippi State)
Mississippi State transfer Jayvin James was a late addition for the Tide in the portal, and he brings some much-needed experience with him to Tuscaloosa. James has started 21 games across two seasons with Akron and Mississippi State, and will be a major factor in Alabama's competition at left tackle.
With two years of eligibility remaining, and leaving a starting job in Starkville behind, James came to Alabama looking to win the starting job. But second-year tackle Jackson Lloyd is a player Alabama's coaches are extremely high on.
Other transfers like Michigan's Ty Haywood and Texas's Nick Brooks could also be a factor in the competition. James probably *should* be considered the early favorite, but he'll face stiff competition from younger players who are hungry to get on the field.