When Alabama two-way player Jaylen Mbakwe announced he would enter the transfer portal, it stung, even with his minimal snaps over the last two years.
Then, when a few of his visits were announced, Mbakwe only rubbed salt in the open wound of the Crimson Tide.
Jaylen Mbakwe touring his picks of the SEC
CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reported that Mbakwe was set to visit the Ole Miss Rebels, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and none other than the Georgia Bulldogs, one of Bama's biggest rivals in the SEC.
What a way to kick a dog when it’s down. Not only is Mbakwe leaving the Tide, but he’s taking trips to visit two of the other top teams in Alabama’s conference.
He’s an Alabama native for Pete’s sake, at least tour Auburn (not that anybody wearing Crimson would love that either) and have the slap in the face make sense for wanting to stay close to home.
Alabama defensive back/wide receiver transfer Jaylen Mbakwe is visiting Georgia Tech and also plans to visit Georgia and Ole Miss, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 4, 2026
Was a Class of 2024 blue-chip recruit. Ranked as the second-best cornerback and 12th-best overall prospect in that class. pic.twitter.com/XRr9sgi6xo
Over two years with the Crimson Tide, Mbakwe played in just a few games, earning most of his reps on the defensive side of the ball. He earned 55 receiving yards on three catches, four rushing yards on one carry, 16 total tackles (13 solo), two pass deflections, and one interception for nine yards.
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As a two-way player, he was one of the most highly coveted prospects in his recruiting cycle. Mbakwe was the No. 1 overall defensive back and the No. 12 overall recruit in the class of 2024.
He is rated as a three-star transfer, making him the No. 33 wide receiver in the portal. With an 89.92 overall rating, he is the No. 169 overall transfer portal prospect.
Other than his three visits with the Bulldogs, Rebels, and Yellow Jackets, Mbakwe has yet to announce if he will take any other trips before committing ahead of the 2026 season.