In the first two days of the 2026 Transfer Portal window, Alabama has seen 12 players officially enter. All so far have been backups, but it has been a hit for the team's depth for next season.
After an embarrassing Rose Bowl loss to Indiana, it became clear that Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide had major work to do at several positions in order to get Alabama into serious contention for the National Championship.
It appears DeBoer and GM Courtney Morgan understand that, and they are quickly in the mix with some of the top players in the portal. Let's take a look at five of them that have emerged early on.
RB Hollywood Smothers (NC State)
One of the biggest potential additions early on for Alabama could be NC State star RB Hollywood Smothers. The Crimson Tide is in need of a difference-maker in the running back room, and Smothers has emerged as the top target.
Smothers rushed for 939 yards and six touchdowns on 5.9 yards per carry this past season in Raleigh.
Alabama got good news in its pursuit of Smothers on Friday night. The NC State transfer has a visit scheduled with the Tide on Sunday, but also cancelled a scheduled visit to Florida State. That means if things go well during his trip to Tuscaloosa, Smothers could be a quick portal addition.
DL Devan Thompkins (USC)
Another visitor who is expected to be in Tuscaloosa soon is USC defensive lineman Devan Thompkins. He is a coveted name in the portal, but so far the only visit he has scheduled is with the Crimson Tide.
Thompkins quickly cut his list to five schools once the portal opened. Along with Alabama, he is considering Clemson, Georgia, Auburn, and Ohio State.
If the Rose Bowl showed anything, it's that Alabama has to improve on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder would be a nice start.
LB Caleb Woodson (Virginia Tech)
Another expected visitor soon is Virginia Tech transfer Caleb Woodson, a veteran linebacker with one season of eligibility left.
Linebacker is one of the biggest positions of need in the portal for Alabama. At the off-ball spots, the Crimson Tide is losing its top three players in Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, and Nikhai Hill-Green. There are some talented youngsters waiting in the wings, but adding some experience to the room is a must.
Woodson was a two-year starter in Blacksburg. He is a former safety who converted to linebacker in college, so he appears to be a strong schematic fit in Kane Wommack's defensive system.
OL Brock Riker (Texas State)
Offensive line has been the biggest position of attrition so far for Alabama in the Transfer Portal. Backups Roq Montgomery, Joseph Ionata, Olaus Alinen, and Micah DeBose have entered the portal. It's a complete overhaul at the position. It's certainly needed.
So far, the only confirmed target for Alabama is Texas State standout redshirt freshman center Brock Riker, which could be an indication that Alabama expects Parker Brailsford to declare for the NFL Draft. Riker is the smaller, more athletic type of lineman that DeBoer prefers for his system.
It's possible that if he lands at Alabama, he could shift inside to guard with a returning Brailsford, but he's only played center in college thus far.
WR Cam Coleman (Auburn)
We saved the biggest name for last because it is also probably the most unrealistic. Alabama will undoubtedly have to add a couple of wide receivers in the Transfer Portal following the departures of Germie Bernard to the NFL and Jaylen Mbakwe, Jalen Hale, and Cole Adams to the portal, but it seems unlikely that they'll want to spend as much as it will take to land Cam Coleman with so many other needs.
Coleman is one of the most sought-after players in the portal and is taking a tour of the big-money Texas schools (Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech), while also planning a visit to Alabama next week.
Alabama has one advantage with the addition of Coleman's offensive coordinator at Auburn, Derrick Nix, to the coaching staff, but if it comes down to the highest bidder, Coleman won't be in Tuscaloosa next season.
Perhaps Alabama will crank up the heat on Coleman if Isaiah Horton ultimately chooses to enter the NFL Draft.
You can continue to keep up with all of Alabama's moving and shaking in the Transfer Portal by following this link.