Alabama Football improved in 2025, but another four-loss season meant the Crimson Tide needed an overhaul. Strong freshman classes still matter, but the new norm for fast turnarounds is the Transfer Portal.
After last season, the Alabama Crimson Tide lost more than 20 players to transfer. The Tide's counter was 17 portal additions. The 247Sports team transfer ranking rated Alabama at No. 16 across the FBS. The Crimson Tide was barely above the midpoint for SEC teams at No. 7. Conference teams ranked above Alabama were LSU, Ole Miss, Texas (ranked 1,2,3, nationally), Kentucky, Texas A&M, and Auburn.
J.D. Pickell downgrading the Crimson Tide is old hat to Alabama fans. Perhaps unfairly, he is not on my list of solid sources. Still, it is disturbing anytime Kentucky and Auburn are rated higher than Alabama.
Kalen DeBoer Disagrees on Alabama Football Transfer Class
A counter-perspective voiced by Kalen DeBoer is that the Crimson Tide achieved its goals via the Portal. Alabama's second spring scrimmage provided some proof for DeBoer's claim.
Not only in the second scrimmage, but throughout practices, six defensive transfers have stood out. Five of the six appear on track for starter or key rotational roles. The five are: South Carolina transfer Desmond Umeozulu (Zulu) at Bandit; USC transfer defensive lineman Deven Thompkins; Virginia Tech transfer ILB Caleb Woodson; Oregon transfer defensive linemen Terrance Green; and Mississippi State transfer defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones. On Friday, a sixth transfer, Mercer cornerback Carmelo O'Neal was with the first unit in place of a dinged-up Zabien Brown. O'Neal will not beat out Brown or Dijon Lee Jr., but he is a ball-hawking 6'4" and 209lbs. DB, who stood out when the Bears played the Crimson Tide. He could gain a role in some dime package situations.
There is transfer help on the offensive side of the roster as well. Cal-Poly transfer may need some added strength based on Friday's scrimmage, but he is expected to start at center. North Carolina State transfer Noah Rogers is expected to start at wide receiver. Mississippi State transfer and Texas transfer Nick Brooks have a chance to start on the offensive line. Ole Miss transfer Ethan Fields worked with the first unit at left guard on Friday. Oklahoma transfer tight end Josh Ford did well in the second scrimmage.
Specialist transfers may take over key special teams roles. The Crimson Tide's new punter may be North Alabama transfer Adam Watford. Marshall transfer Lorcan Quinn is battling Conor Talty for place-kicking duties. Syracuse long snapper Ethan Stangle is competing for a starting job.
Whatever progress transfers are making this spring, it must be replicated or improved upon in Fall Camp and early games before their contribution can become clear.