Alabama reportedly getting a vist from 'standout' Transfer Portal linebacker

One of the biggest positions of need for Alabama in the Transfer Portal is at linebacker. With its top three off-ball 'backers - Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, and Nikhai Hill-Green - all exhausting their eligibility after the Rose Bowl, adding at least one, if not multiple, veterans to the LB room is a must for Kalen DeBoer and company.

The first target is now known.

Virginia Tech transfer LB Caleb Woodson, a two-year starter in Blacksburg, has entered the Transfer Portal and immediately set up a visit with the Crimson Tide for Sunday, January 4th:

Virginia Tech LB Caleb Woodson will visit Alabama this weekend

Woodson was a 3-star recruit out of high school as a safety, but transitioned to linebacker in Blacksburg. After a small role as a freshman, Woodson started the last two seasons in the middle of the Virginia Tech defense.

He racked up 151 tackles and two sacks during his three years with the Hokies.

His previous experience playing defensive back in high school should make him an intriguing piece in the middle of Kane Wommack's defense. In the zone-based scheme, finding linebackers who can cover in the middle of the field is a must in order to execute the way Wommack prefers. That was a glaring issue for the Crimson Tide at times in 2025.

Woodson only has one year of eligibility left and is exactly the type of player that makes sense for Alabama to pursue at linebacker. There is a lot of young talent in the room currently, including an incoming 5-star in Xavier Griffin, but a veteran presence is a must. There's not a single off-ball linebacker returning next year for Alabama who has started a game.

Woodson will command interest from others as well, but Alabama getting him on campus so quickly is a positive sign for its chances of landing the Virginia Tech standout.

You can keep up with all the moving and shaking in the Transfer Portal for Alabama here.