An early look at what positions Alabama football might target in the Transfer Portal

Alabama football has only two guaranteed games left this season. Saturday's Iron Bowl and then a likely non-playoff bowl game. Of course, the Crimson Tide isn't quite eliminated from the College Football Playoff, but they'll need plenty of help this weekend to have a shot at sneaking in the back door.

Following Saturday's Iron Bowl against Auburn, the Transfer Portal will heat up for the Crimson Tide. Rumors are swirling that there will be some significant roster changes for Alabama next season as Kalen DeBoer continues to work on getting his own roster in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama will likely be busy in the Transfer Portal. They might not get involved in the inevitable bidding wars for any stars, but they'll likely look to add some complimentary pieces if they can.

Let's take a look at each position group and see what Alabama's needs might be for 2025.

Alabama football and the Transfer Portal

Quarterback:

Jalen Milroe has a year of eligibility remaining, but the expectation is that he will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. The QB position for next season is incredibly interesting.

Ty Simpson will be entering his fourth year in the program and expects to compete for and ultimately win the starting QB job. Washington transfer Austin Mack figures to be his top competition. While it will be Mack's third year in college, both of his previous seasons have been with DeBoer. He figures to have the firmest grasp of the offense.

There's also Dylan Lonergan who will be entering his third year in the program. If he doesn't feel like he's going to be in contention for the job, it won't be a surprise if he chooses to move on. 5-star true freshman Keelon Russell could make a run for the job, too. He'll probably be the most talented QB on the roster the instant he arrives on campus.

Alabama's approach to the Transfer Portal will be interesting. If you start seeing them linked to quarterbacks, then it probably means the staff lacks confidence in Simpson, Mack, and Lonergan, and are looking for a bridge QB for a year until Russell is ready.

Of course, that's a risky prospect because making a run at a portal QB could lead to all three guys exploring their own options in the portal.

Running Back:

As things currently stand, I wouldn't expect Alabama to be players in the portal for a running back. They have two currently committed prospects in AK Dear and the recently flipped Jace Clarizio, along with signing two last season to go along with two additional guys who aren't draft-eligible yet.

But Alabama's lack of usage at the position could lead guys like Justice Haynes and Richard Young to explore their options in the portal. Jam Miller could also choose to forego his final year of eligibility to enter the 2025 draft.

Wide Receiver:

Even with only one currently committed prospect in the 2025 cycle in Lotzeir Brooks, I wouldn't expect Alabama to be aggressive in pursuing receivers in the portal after signing five guys in the 2024 class. It's possible Alabama loses some guys in the portal at the position, but the depth and talent level at WR should only increase next season.

Ryan Williams is one of the best freshmen in the nation and he'll lead the group next season. Washington transfer Germie Bernard could come back, and then, along with the other young players, Jalen Hale should be back and healthy.

Currently, I would expect guys like Kendrick Law and Kobe Prentice to potentially enter the portal, but there's still plenty of depth and talent in Tuscaloosa at wide receiver without them.

Tight End:

Even with CJ Dippre and Robbie Ouzts exhausting their eligibility, Alabama should be fine at TE. Washington transfer Josh Cuevas looks like a real player and the Crimson Tide is signing two tight ends in this recruiting class.

Offensive Line:

The OL could be a big question mark in 2025. Both Tyler Booker and Parker Brailsford are expected to enter the draft, and Jaedan Roberts could join them.

Michigan State transfer Geno VanDerMark will likely take one of those spots. He's been a spot starter for the Crimson Tide his season at both guard spots. But if young players like Roq Montgomery and Olaus Alinen aren't ready, Alabama would be relying on an incoming freshman like Michael Carroll if they don't pursue a player in the portal.

Even with both tackle positions returning starters, Alabama could look into the portal to upgrade at right tackle with the inconsistent play of both Elijah Pritchett and Wilkin Formby.

Defensive Line:

I would expect Alabama to look long and hard at some difference-makers on the defensive line and at edge. In terms of true down linemen, Alabama will lose seniors Jah-Marien Latham and Tim Smith. LT Overton and Tim Keenan may also enter the draft.

James Smith has proven to be a difference-maker, but there's a lot of youth and inexperience behind him. Alabama only has two incoming players in this recruiting class - a 3-star and highly regarded JUCO transfer.

At edge, Que Robinson is out of eligibility and Keanu Koht has already entered the portal. Qua Russaw has proven to be a good player and there are talented young players like Yhonzae Pierre who will likely be ready for bigger roles next season.

Edge won't be a priority, but I believe Alabama will be aggressive looking for defensive linemen.

Linebacker:

Jihaad Campbell is likely to enter the draft and Justin Jefferson is out of eligibility. Deontae Lawson's injury could keep him in Tuscaloosa depending on his prognosses for the combine and Alabama's Pro Day.

If all three guys are gone, Alabama might look to the Portal for a veteran LB. There's talent at the position, but not a lot of experience outside of veteran reserve Jeremiah Alexander.

Justin Okoronkwo is a player the staff is high on and is likely to compete for a starting role next season.

Secondary:

Alabama could be replacing both starting safeties and one starting corner, but the Tide has developed a lot of quality depth in the secondary this season. Freshman Zabien Brown has started all season at corner, and if Domani Jackson enters the draft, you figure either Jaylen Mbakwe or Zavier Mincey will be ready to step in and start opposite Brown.

At safety, Bray Hubbard looks like a player. Keon Sabb is likely to return following his injury. Freshman Red Morgan has played a lot of snaps in the nickel role so if DeVonta Smith is gone then he's likely the guy.

There's also three Top-100 guys coming in who could compete for playing time. Corners Dijon Lee and Chuck McDonald as well as safety Ivan Taylor.

I don't expect Alabama to be players in the portal for defensive backs.