As Transfer Portal exits grow, the 2026 Alabama Crimson Tide coaching staff will have a large influx of new players. Using the old standard of 85 scholarships, the Crimson Tide could have just under 52% of the 2025 roster back for 2026. That percentage presumes that Ty Simpson, Isaiah Horton, Kadyn Proctor, Bray Hubbard, and Keon Sabb all decide to move on to the NFL.
The attrition may continue. Tuesday's announcement of James Smith entering the Transfer Portal may not be the Crimson Tide's last. The situation is fluid, and surprises can be expected.
So far, additions to the 2026 roster are 23 signees and two transfers. Offseason player development will likely include 30-plus players who must first learn the intricacies of Alabama's system of play.
The huge roster turnover is not all bad news. The 2025 Alabama Crimson Tide had multiple position group deficiencies. Most needed talent upgrades are on the offensive line, defensive line, and at running back.
Over the next two weeks, Alabama can be expected to fill all the needs. How many of the added transfers will be talent upgrades will not be known until next fall. The Crimson Tide has already added the top transfer running back, the ACC's leading rusher last season, former North Carolina State RB, Hollywood Smothers.
Alabama football insiders say Alabama is trying to pull Keon Keeley back from the portal. There is a fair chance that Horton, Sabb, and Hubbard decide to play another college season. Ty Simpson might as well, though the latest NFL mock drafts suggest that Simpson would be wise to make an NFL move now. If he does return, Alabama is likely to lose either Austin Mack or Keelon Russell.
After convincing Rico Scott to return rather than transfer, Alabama is in pretty good shape at wide receiver. With a Horton return and incoming freshman Cederian Morgan, there would be a strong six-man rotation. There is also no reason to panic about the loss of three experienced inside linebackers. There are multiple young players with bright upside at the position.
Alabama Crimson Tide Rebuild Rather Tan Reload
If Alabama can remedy its weaknesses in the trenches, the heavy dose of roster attrition could be more beneficial than detrimental. Alabama football fans dislike that the Crimson Tide must rebuild rather than reload, but reality must be faced. At the least, the 2026 roster will be filled with players that Kalen DeBoer and his staff have chosen as fits to their systems.