Alabama loses projected defensive starter to the Transfer Portal in another blow

Alabama's Bandit room just took another hit.

The Crimson Tide will now be tasked with replacing all four of its leaders in snaps at the position next season. LT Overton is out of eligibility, and both Keon Keeley and Kelby Collins previously entered the Transfer Portal.

Now, redshirt sophomore Jordan Renaud will join them. It was reported on Tuesday night that Renaud would be entering the portal after three seasons in Tuscaloosa:

Jordan Renaud is entering the Transfer Portal

Renaud was projected to likely be Alabama's starting Bandit next season. He and Keeley split the reps during Overton's absence late in the year, with Renaud usually in the starting role. He was the most experienced defensive lineman returning for the Crimson Tide.

Much like the offensive line has been totally overhauled, so too has the defensive line. Along with three Bandits in the Portal, Alabama also saw Tim Keenan run out of eligibility, and James Smith enter the Transfer Portal.

In three seasons with the Crimson Tide, Renaud totaled 34 tackles. The production never quite lived up to the recruiting hype, which has been a theme in Alabama's portal departures this offseason. But this is still a blow to the Tide's depth. Replacing all four of the leading snap getters at one position isn't easy.

Alabama's only returning Bandit from this past season is JUCO transfer Fatutoa Henry, who saw limited snaps in his first season in Tuscaloosa. Alabama added versatile USC defensive lineman Devan Thompkins in the portal. He could play either Bandit or DT in Kane Wommack's defense.

Alabama also landed Washington transfer Caleb Smith on Tuesday, a 270-pound redshirt freshman who will be a nice depth piece but probably won't be ready for legitimate snaps in 2026.

Redshirt sophomore Edric Hill has some positional versatility, too, and could see some Bandit snaps.

Alabama signed several intriguing players in the 2026 high school class who could factor into the rotation, too, most notably Nolan Wilson and Jamarion Matthews.

I expect Alabama to remain active in the portal, and with Renaud's departure, will likely be aggressive in pursuing a starting caliber player on the defensive line.

You can keep up with all of Alabama's Transfer Portal activity by following this link.