The spring Portal window opened on Wednesday for 10 days. So far, Alabama football hasn't seen a single player enter the portal, and they haven't landed a commitment, nor have they really been linked to any players.
That's not likely to continue. Alabama may ultimately get out from this window without losing a player, but they do have a couple of open scholarship positions and are perusing the portal in hopes of adding depth at a couple of areas.
Alabama isn't star chasing. They aren't going to be involved in any NIL bidding wars. Kalen DeBoer and the staff are comfortable with the projected starters across the depth chart. Some initial reports had Alabama involved with South Dakota transfer Joe Cotton, perhaps the top OL in the portal.
While the Crimson Tide would love to add some depth at tackle, Cotton will be looking for a starting spot somewhere. He won't find it in Tuscaloosa. Alabama is comfortable with Kadyn Proctor and Wilkin Formby as the starters in 2025.
During a speaking engagement in Mobile on Thursday, DeBoer was asked about the spring Transfer Portal window.
“I think there’ll be some (activity), I guess from our standpoint, any way you can improve the roster, we will do that."
(Quote courtesy of AL.com's Creg Stephenson).
Alabama did some roster flipping in December. The turnover was significant, but a lot of it was addition by subtraction to get DeBoer the roster suited to him and his philosophy. The Crimson Tide brought in a highly ranked recruiting class filled with talented players ready to compete early. In the winter portal, they were strategic in who they brought in. Guys like WR Isaiah Horton, OG Kam Dewberry, DL Kelby Collins, and CB Cam Calhoun, all of whom will likely have a role on the 2025 team.
Off the radar names to watch for Alabama in the Transfer Portal
Alabama isn't going to get involved in any bidding wars, but they will look to improve around the margins. Some under the radar depth additions are likely.
One early player to watch according to insiders is Troy TE Brody Dalton, a 6-foot-5, 250 pound TE who could potentially come in and fill the role left over by Robbie Ouzts. DeBoer and company are comfortable with Josh Cuevas and Danny Lewis Jr. at tight end, but could use more of an in-line tight end like Dalton.
Alabama had a ton of injuries in the spring and ultimately had just one healthy scholarship tight end left over by the end of practice.
Alabama A&M DT Sedrick Smith is drawing a lot of early interest after entering the portal. He has visited Georgia, and while he hasn't been linked to Alabama yet, he's the type of player who would make sense for the Crimson Tide to improve depth on the interior of the defensive line.
Things have been quiet so far. A quiet portal window is a welcome sight for Alabama fans after what they had to endure a year ago following Nick Saban's retirement.