Alabama gets major roster retention win with the return of elite pass rusher

Alabama's focus so far this offseason has been on roster retention more so than the Transfer Portal. While the Crimson Tide has added some talent in the portal, Kalen DeBoer and Courtney Morgan have scored some major roster retention wins.

Retaining guys like Ryan Williams, Lotzeir Brooks, both QBs (Austin Mack, Keelon Russell), Michael Carroll, Zabien Brown, and Bray Hubbard, among others, was massive. None may be as impactful as Yhonzae Pierre's decision to remain in Tuscaloosa rather than enter the 2026 NFL Draft.

Reports broke early on Wednesday that Pierre and Keon Sabb would return to Alabama in 2026. But late Wednesday night, Yea-Alabama made the news of Pierre's return official:

Yhonzae Pierre's return is massive for Alabama's defense

Pierre opened the season as Alabama's backup Wolf LB, but following an injury suffered by Qua Russaw during the Georgia win in September, Pierre took over the starting job and never looked back. The Eufala native developed into one of the most feared pass rushers in the country, tallying eight sacks to lead the Crimson Tide.

Pierre's emergence led to Russaw entering the Transfer Portal. Pierre was the unquestioned starter at Wolf, and his decision to return became all the more vital with Russaw leaving.

Pierre had two multi-sack games for the Crimson Tide this year. He picked up three in Alabama's rivalry win over Tennessee and added two more in the November win over LSU. He also showed up when it mattered most, producing two sacks in Alabama's two College Football Playoff games.

Pierre was likely going to be a Day Two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, likely in the mid-2nd to early 3rd round ranges. He's just scratching the surface of his potential as a pass rusher, and he has a chance to bolster his stock with a strong redshirt junior season in Tuscaloosa.

Pierre's return will also come with a number change, Yea-Alabama announced. After wearing No. 42 during his first three years with the Crimson Tide, Pierre will be swapping to No. 0 next season, a number left vacant with Deontae Lawson moving on.