Alabama Football transfer portal addition tiers: Added Depth/Future Contributors

While it added lots of impact players and projected starters, Alabama filled out its 2024 transfer portal class with plenty of quality depth. A championship-caliber roster has to be solid from top to bottom, and the Tide was able to fill in many of the gaps heading into Kalen DeBoer’s first season at the helm. 

While the following players will be rotational pieces and could possibly contribute on special teams this fall, any one of them could step into a bigger role if Bama has injuries or other roster changes. Additionally, these players should make the necessary developmental strides that will allow them to become cornerstones of future Alabama teams. 

LT Overton (DL, Texas A&M)

Overton is a former 5-star defensive lineman who fits very well into the Bandit role in Kane Wommack’s defense. He transferred to Alabama prior to Coach Nick Saban’s retirement and is expected to contribute along with Jah-Marien Latham at that strongside defensive end position.

Overton’s talent and experience make him a player that probably belongs in a higher tier, but he is joining what is arguably the deepest position group on the team. Bama can go two or three deep with very little dropoff at every defensive line position, so expect a lot of rotation up front. 

Naquil Betrand (OL, Texas A&M)

Betrand, like Overton, also came to Alabama from Texas A&M before Coach Saban retired. He spent just one year in College Station, but the big-bodied redshirt freshman should provide depth at tackle. Bama still has question marks at the tackle position: Will Elijah Pritchett lock up the right side? Will a freshman jump him for the starting spot? Who is the first tackle off the bench? 

Since only Pritchett and left tackle Kadyn Proctor have significant playing experience, there are a lot of unknowns here. This means the door is open for Naquil Betrand to climb the depth chart. 

Austin Mack (QB, Washington)

While his arrival may have inadvertently pushed prized recruit Julian Sayin out the door, the coaching staff and informed media alike are very high on Austin Mack. He isn’t expected to take any meaningful snaps this year, and should learn a ton behind Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson. He was essentially hand-picked by Coach DeBoer and now-departed offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to be the future face of this offense, so the sky’s the limit for Austin Mack. 

Josh Cuevas (TE, Washington)

Cuevas was one of several former Washington Huskies that now accompany their head coach in Tuscaloosa. He will look to contend in a very deep tight end room, spearheaded by seniors CJ Dippre and Robbie Ouzts along with redshirt sophomore Danny Lewis Jr. While it won’t produce any superstars, I think this group will ultimately be a strength for Alabama in both the run game and the passing game.

Kameron Howard (S, Charlotte)

Kameron Howard joins the Crimson Tide after transferring up from Charlotte, and will be asked to provide depth in what was once a depleted safety room. Malachi Moore and Keon Sabb will hold down the starting roles, but Howard is the next-most experienced safety on the roster and could see the field more than many expect. 

King Mack (S, Penn State)

Like Howard and homegrown sophomore Bray Hubbard, King Mack will provide safety depth for Alabama. After losing Tony Mitchell and Peyton Woodyard late in the portal cycle, Bama was able to add Mack to give it another blue-chip young safety to rely on in the future. King Mack has added value with his extensive special teams experience, which is something that will likely allow him to contribute immediately in some capacity. 

Coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff have been fairly impressive through their first offseason in T-Town. With this portal class, the Tide added necessary depth on both sides of the ball as well as on special teams.