Alabama just added its third Transfer Portal commitment in two days, and its fifth overall, with coveted USC defensive line transfer Devan Thompkins announcing his commitment to the Crimson Tide on Wednesday.
Thompkins arrived in Tuscaloosa for a visit on Tuesday evening and, just like they've done with other top targets, the Alabama staff landed his commitment before he could leave for anywhere else.
BREAKING: USC standout transfer DL Devan Thompkins has Committed to Alabama, he tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 7, 2026
Through 2 seasons he’s totaled 55 Tackles, 4.5 Sacks, 9 TFL, 1 FF, and 5 PD
He’s a Top 3 DL in the Portal (per On3 Industry)https://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/EgSZSPIGaX
Alabama lands coveted USC transfer DL Devan Thompkins
Thompkins is the No. 6 defensive lineman in the Saturday Blitz portal rankings. He has been highly sought-after since he announced his intentions to leave USC, with programs like Ohio State, Georgia, Clemson, and Auburn as the other four teams that made his trimmed-down list.
He started 12 games this year for USC, totaling 31 tackles, 6.5 tackles-for-loss, and three sacks.
Alabama has seen quite a need emerge on the defensive line in recent days. Along with Tim Keenan and LT Overton being out of eligibility, the Crimson Tide saw starter James Smith, along with valuable backups Keon Keeley and Kelby Collins, enter the Transfer Portal.
Thompkins brings power, athleticism, and versatility to the Crimson Tide's defensive line. At 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, Thompkins will have the ability to play either DT or the Bandit DE in Kane Wommack's scheme. He will likely see snaps both inside and outside. As a bigger Bandit, he'll help in run support and setting the edge on traditional downs, while potentially sliding inside during obvious passing situations.
Improvement on both lines of scrimmage has been an obvious point of emphasis for Alabama in the Transfer Portal. They've landed impact players on both lines the last couple of days.
Thompkins adds to what is turning into an impressive Transfer Portal haul for the Crimson Tide. He joins TE Josh Ford (Oklahoma State), RB Hollywood Smothers (NC State), LB Caleb Woodson (Virginia Tech), and Kaden Strayhorn (Michigan) in arriving from the portal. There will be plenty more to come as DeBoer and company aren't yet close to being done.
You can follow along with all of Alabama's Transfer Portal activity by following this link.