Alabama hasn’t had the best of times in the portal. The Tide has lost considerable depth, and even some of its targets have opted for its SEC rivals. But Kalen DeBoer remains focused on reinforcement, and one EDGE player has drawn the program’s interest. But landing him won’t be easy, as Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz is also competing directly for the player’s commitment.

Wendell Gregory, a standout freshman linebacker from Oklahoma State, emerged as one of the Cowboys’ most impactful defenders during the 2025 season, recording 27 total tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble. Eli Drinkwitz is not the only coach that Kalen DeBoer has to deal with, as Joey McGuire and Texas Tech have also expressed strong interest in adding the freshman EDGE defender to their roster.

Wendell Gregory is just one of several new additions as the Alabama Crimson Tide continues to address multiple roster needs through the transfer portal.

A major area of focus has been special teams. Alabama landed Lorcan Quinn, a transfer from the Marshall Thundering Herd, who is widely regarded as one of the top kickers in the 2025 class. During his freshman season, Quinn converted 21 of 26 field-goal attempts (80.8%), including a long of 55 yards. He was 9-of-11 on kicks longer than 40 yards, perfect from 40-49 yards, and made 38 of 39 extra points. On kickoffs, he averaged 64.8 yards across 71 attempts, with 61 touchbacks.

Depth upgrades have also arrived on special teams, with long snapper Ethan Stangle transferring from Syracuse Orange and punter Adam Watford joining from North Alabama Lions.

Offensively, Alabama added former NC State Wolfpack wide receiver Noah Rogers. The 6’2″, 205 lbs receiver caught 33 passes for 441 yards and two touchdowns in 2025. Across two seasons at NC State, Rogers totaled 68 receptions for 619 yards and three scores. He was a four-star recruit in the 2023 class, ranked as the No. 8 wide receiver and No. 52 overall prospect nationally. Alabama also strengthened the offensive line with Kaden Strayhorn, a transfer from the Michigan Wolverines, who brings four seasons of eligibility.

Defensively, Alabama added lineman Ty Haywood, a former five-star prospect who had previously committed to the Crimson Tide before flipping to Michigan around signing day. With 10 offensive linemen from last year’s roster departing, Haywood now has a strong opportunity to compete for immediate playing time. The Tide also bolstered their defense with linebacker Caleb Woodson from Virginia Tech Hokies, defensive back Carmelo O’Neal from Mercer Bears, defensive lineman Devan Thompkins from USC Trojans, and defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones from Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Overall, Alabama has been one of the most active programs in the transfer portal. However, that activity has also come with departures, as the Crimson Tide has had to part ways with several players while reshaping the roster.

Alabama transfer portal departures

The January transfer portal forced Kalen DeBoer to say goodbye to a significant portion of his roster. The most notable departure among the 21 players entering the portal was wide receiver Isaiah Horton, who announced his commitment to Texas A&M Aggies after spending one season at Tuscaloosa.

The 6’4″ junior recorded 42 receptions for 511 receiving yards and eight touchdowns during the season. Horton played a key role in Alabama’s CFP run, which ultimately ended with a loss to Indiana.

The remaining players to enter the transfer portal include Aeryn Hampton, Kameron Howard, Roq Montgomery, Richard Young, Jaylen Mbakwe, Joseph Ionata, Jalen Hale, Olaus Alinen, Noah Carter, Peter Notaro, Micah DeBose, Cole Adams, Wilkin Formby, Keon Keeley, Cam Calhoun, Qua Russaw, David Bird, James Smith, Kelby Collins, and Arkel Anugwom.

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