One of Alabama's top targets so far in the Transfer Portal has been NC State RB Hollywood Smothers. He arrived in Tuscaloosa for an official visit on Sunday, and it's looking like it will be the only visit he takes.
247 and CBS reporters Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz logged predictions on Monday for Smothers to land with the Crmison Tide:
Have teamed with @chris_hummer in placing Crystal Ball predictions in favor of Alabama to land former NC State star running back Hollywood Smothers.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 5, 2026
He led the ACC this season with an average of 85 rushing yards per game. Ranks as one of the top running backs in the portal. pic.twitter.com/7zL6LiyvDT
Alabama logged one of its worst rushing seasons in school history, producing just 1562 yards on 3.4 yards per carry. Smothers by himself rushed for 939 yards on 5.9 yards per carry this past season with the Wolfpack. He would be an instant upgrade to an Alabama RB room in desperate need of one.
Hollywood Smothers would be a major upgrade for Alabama at RB
Alabama lost both Jam Miller and Dre Washington after the season with no eligibility remaining. Redshirt sophomore Richard Young has already entered the Transfer Portal, leaving Alabama with at least one open spot in the RB room after adding two players in the 2026 high school recruiting class.
It remains to be seen whether Smothers, if and when he ultimately commits, chases anyone on the current roster off to the Transfer Portal. If it does, so be it. The NC State transfer is better than any running back from the Tide's 2025 team, and it isn't all that close.
His addition, teamed with incoming 5-star EJ Crowell, would be a major infusion of talent for Alabama at RB. Not since Jahmyr Gibbs left early for the NFL Draft following the 2022 season has the Crimson Tide had a real difference-maker at RB. They might have two next season with Smothers and Crowell.
Hopefully, Alabama will be able to hang on to two of Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, and AK Dear, along with the addition of Smothers. That would give the Crimson Tide some needed depth in the room for next season.
Alabama is currently set to host Arizona State transfer RB Raleek Brown on Tuesday. If Smothers commits quickly, then it's not likely that Brown's visit will remain on the schedule.
You can follow along with all of the Transfer Portal activity for Alabama by following this link.