In college football, roster numbers matter, but in the 105 scholarship era, counting Alabama Football numbers can be confusing. On rosters limited to 105 players, SEC teams can have 105 players on scholarships, but not every player must receive a full scholarship. An important distinction is that there are technically no scholarship limits, only a roster limit of 105 for football.
What were once known as walk-ons might be best understood as players receiving less than a full scholarship, and no revenue share. While they may get NIL deals, those deals will be few and of modest dollar value.
The current 2026 roster for Alabama appears to be around 110 players. While unreported so far, the number includes some former walk-ons who have probably moved on. Given position group needs, even without more portal exits, the Crimson Tide might need to add another 10 or so players, bringing the total of 2026 transfer additions to 16.
There will, no doubt, be enough roster room for the Crimson Tide to add a total of16 transfer players. The final number could be 20 or higher, if Alabama has the requisite funds and can target 20 or more transfers that would be expected to improve the 2026 roster.
Alabama fans may find the new system confusing, even frustrating, but Crimson Tide fans have deeper concerns. Alabama had landed some key additions, especially North Carolina State running back Hollywood Smothers, and Virginia Tech inside linebacker Caleb Woodson. But Alabama missed on offensive lineman Jacarrius Peak, and the Tide is targeting some former 3-star and FCS players. Alabama does need some depth additions, but it must also build a new offensive line and rebuild the wide receiver group. The patience of some Alabama fans is thin.
The new norm for college football is every program will lose some of its top players in every cycle. Some teams, and Auburn is currently a good example, will lose more talent than can be added through the Portal. Fans may not like it, and coaches probably dislike it even more, but cycles of roster building must prioritize quick production and immediate depth more than multi-season development.
Alabama Football Recent Transfer History
- 2022 Season - Five transfer additions, including now NFL star, Jahmyr Gibbs, and 23 transfer exits
- 2023 Season - Five transfer additions and 21 transfer exits
- 2024 Season - 15 transfer additions and 40 transfer exits
- 2025 Season - 12 transfer additions and 25 transfer exits
- In Progress 2026 Season - Six transfer additions and 20 transfer exits
Some teams have improved significantly and quickly by getting boosts from portal classes. But a ihghly ranked portal class offers no guarantee. In the 2025 cycle the No. 2 Transfer class was LSU's. auburn was No. 7. In the 2025 season, the two had a combined record of 12-13.
Note: Transfer class details provided by On3