Every year, the end of the college football season brings a ton of roster turnover. While this was always a reality for Alabama because of the NFL Draft, the transfer portal has made it even more prevalent.
After retaining just about everyone in last year’s spring portal window, the Crimson Tide is going to have to replace a whole lot more this time around. After the Tide’s loss to Indiana, it was a very busy weekend of portal entries.
It’s important to note that every player entering can still be recruited to return, but entering the portal is likely indicative of a player wearing a new uniform next season.
In terms of significance, there have been several major contributors and potential starters for next season to put their foot in the exit — with a huge number of them coming from the offensive line.
Although it could wind up being a positive situation, as Alabama struggled to run the ball all season, there will need to be additions nonetheless.
Starting right tackle Wilkin Formby was the most significant piece to enter the portal, and he was joined by freshman tackle Micah DeBose.
Beyond the portal, left tackle Kadyn Proctor and center Parker Brailsford are both likely to enter the draft. While Kam Dewberry, Geno VanDeMark and Jaeden Roberts are all out of eligibility, meaning the line will look completely different.
Depth names such as Joseph Ionata, Olaus Alinen and Roq Montgomery portal out from the offensive line room as well.
Beyond the offensive line, the defensive line took a hit when former five-star Keon Keeley — despite coming on late in the season —announced a surprise entry, as well as linebacker Noah Carter declaring. Collectively, the wide receiver room might be seeing the biggest loss of depth.
Rico Scott — who was blossoming into a rotational role — entered the portal after two years in the program, alongside special teams contributor Cole Adams. Neither of them are currently seeing a path to more playing time next season.
Bubba Hampton also portals from the wide receiver room. He had just one catch this season for six yards. Jalen Hale also declared his exit after failing to work his way back into a regular role after a major leg injury.
The most interesting situation may be two-way player Jaylen Mbakwe, who made the switch to wide receiver from defensive back. After flirting with the portal a year ago, Mbakwe returned and made the full-time switch to offense, but it essentially restarted his development and kept him off the field.
Two defensive backs, Cam Calhoun and Kameron Howard, have entered as well with numerous pending draft decisions likely to see change.
It’s safe to say Alabama is going to look different next season with additions coming from the portal, but time will tell whether or not it ends up being for the best.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.

