The transfer portal can feel like a revolving door, and for Alabama football, the offseason of 2026 saw some significant departures. But where will these former Crimson Tide players be taking their talents next season? The transfer portal slammed shut after January 16th, effectively ending the period for undergraduate players to seek new opportunities. While schools had a short grace period to finalize paperwork, it's safe to say that Alabama has likely seen its last outgoing transfer for now. Almost all of the departing players have secured new homes, and surprisingly, many are staying within the SEC! Let's break down where each of these players landed and what their prospects look like.
Alabama Football Transfer Portal Departures 2026: Where Are They Now?
Kam Howard, DB – Boston College: Howard struggled to crack the starting lineup in Tuscaloosa. He's now heading to Boston College, where he'll reunite with a familiar face: former Alabama offensive coordinator. This change of scenery could be exactly what he needs to unlock his potential.
Roq Montgomery, OL - Western Kentucky: Montgomery's biggest impact at Alabama seemed to be his outspoken opinions about the intensity of workouts, rather than his on-field performance. He didn't record any game snaps in 2025 before transferring to Western Kentucky. Hopefully, he'll get more opportunities to prove himself in Bowling Green (the town, not the university!).
Richard Young, RB - Colorado: Alabama's rushing attack was underwhelming in 2025, and Young, part of a four-man rotation, didn't quite live up to the hype (27 carries, 146 yards, 2 TDs). He's now looking to revitalize his career under the spotlight of Coach Deion Sanders at Colorado. Can "Prime Time" unlock Young's full potential? This will be an interesting storyline to watch.
Jaylen Mbakwe, WR – Georgia Tech: Mbakwe, a former five-star recruit out of Clay-Chalkville, surprised many when he entered the portal. He had previously stated his intention to stay at Alabama. The defensive back-turned-wide receiver is now a Yellow Jacket. This is a bold move, and it raises the question: what prompted this sudden change of heart?
Joseph Ionata, OL – Georgia Tech: Joining Mbakwe at Georgia Tech is Ionata, who also struggled to find consistent playing time at Alabama. While listed as the backup center, Geno VanDeMark usually filled in when Parker Brailsford was unavailable. Ionata hopes to find a more prominent role with the Yellow Jackets.
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Olaus Alinen, OL – Kentucky: The Finnish native didn't see much action during his three years in Tuscaloosa. He's now hoping for a fresh start at Kentucky, under the guidance of their new head coach, Will Stein. Will this change of scenery unlock his potential?
Noah Carter, LB – Georgia Tech: You might be surprised to see so many players heading to Georgia Tech! Carter, who joined Alabama as an edge rusher in the 2024 recruiting class, had a chance to earn significant playing time next season. However, after recording 10 tackles in two seasons, he opted to transfer. Competition is fierce at Alabama, and sometimes a change of scenery is necessary for a player to thrive.
Peter Notaro, K – West Virginia: Notaro never surpassed Conor Talty on the depth chart. With Alabama adding another kicker through the transfer portal, Notaro decided to move closer to home. He's now a Mountaineer, just two hours away from his Pennsylvania roots.
Micah DeBose, OL – Vanderbilt: DeBose, a highly regarded prospect in the 2025 class, only saw action in one game against Eastern Illinois. He's now heading to Vanderbilt, hoping to find more opportunities in the SEC.
Cole Adams, WR/PR – Vanderbilt: Adams served as Alabama's primary punt returner in 2025, also making 13 catches for 176 yards. He'll remain in the SEC and will face the Crimson Tide when Vanderbilt plays Alabama next season. This adds an interesting layer to that matchup.
Wilkin Formby, OL – Texas A&M: Formby was a starter for Alabama last season, playing both tackle and guard. Now, he is heading to Texas A&M. The Aggies will travel to Tuscaloosa, his hometown, on October 24th. The intensity of this matchup is sure to be high.
Keon Keeley, DL – Notre Dame: Keeley, a former five-star edge prospect and the No. 2 recruit in the 2023 class, finally saw significant playing time, making 16 tackles and three sacks. Despite this progress, he opted against a fourth season in Tuscaloosa and headed to Notre Dame. This move is somewhat surprising, given his increased role on the team. He will return to a program that recruited him heavily out of high school.
Cam Calhoun, DB – Ohio State: Calhoun, a reserve defensive back, is following a similar path to Caleb Downs, hoping to achieve superstardom at Ohio State. The Ohio native joins a Buckeye squad that fell short of expectations last season. Can he make an immediate impact in Columbus?
Qua Russaw, DL – Ohio State: Like Calhoun, Russaw will be a Buckeye. Unlike Calhoun, he's not from Ohio. The Montgomery native started three games but played in only nine after a foot injury against Georgia. He recorded 14 tackles and a sack. He's hoping for a healthier and more productive season in Columbus.
James Smith, DL – Ohio State: Smith and Russaw made a pact to go to college together, initially choosing Alabama. That bond remains strong as they both head to Ohio State. Smith had 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season. Will this familiar connection help them thrive in a new environment?
David Bird, LS - TBD: Bird is the only Alabama defector who hasn't found a new team yet. He spent one year as a long snapper at UA after transferring from Cal. It's likely he'll find a new home soon, given the importance of long snappers in college football.
Kelby Collins, DL – South Carolina: Collins is continuing his SEC tour after spending his first two seasons at Florida. At Florida, he made 29 tackles. At Alabama, he made 10 with two sacks. Will this change of scenery help him produce at a higher level?
Arkel Anugwom, OL – Northwestern: Anugwom transferred to Alabama from Miami of Ohio before the 2025 season but only saw action in one game against Eastern Illinois. He's now joining the Wildcats in the Big Ten, hoping for a chance to prove himself.
Isaiah Horton, WR – Texas A&M: Horton's departure will sting. He led the team in touchdown catches last season (8) and was third in receptions (42) and yards (511). All stats except touchdowns were lower than the 2024 season. He'll return to Tuscaloosa with the Aggies on October 24th. This is a significant loss for Alabama's offense, and it will be interesting to see how he performs against his former team.
Jordan Renaud, DL – Ole Miss: Renaud spent three seasons in Tuscaloosa but felt it was time for a change. He had 34 career tackles, with 16 coming last season. He returns to his home state, where Pete Golding recruited him away from Ole Miss in 2022. Golding remained at Alabama for less than a month after that first signing before heading to Oxford. Will Renaud thrive under Golding's defensive scheme?
The transfer portal is a complex and ever-evolving landscape in college football. These players are seeking opportunities for more playing time, a better fit with a coaching staff, or simply a fresh start. Only time will tell if these moves will pay off for them and their new teams. What do you think about these transfers? Which player do you believe will have the biggest impact at their new school? And what does this exodus say about the current state of Alabama football? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
