The transfer portal is heating up as the big NCAA sports seasons wrap up or near their end. In major sports like football, the portal has become a hot topic of debate in collegiate athletics. Since the portal opened in early December, Alabama has seen another athlete decide to redshirt and leave the team—this time, outside linebacker Keanu Koht. Earlier this season, it was defensive lineman Jaheim Oatis.

On Tuesday, Koht confirmed his decision, saying, “After careful reflection and consideration, I’ve come to realize that I’ve outgrown the shoes I once wore here.” With two years of eligibility left, he’s officially entering the portal.

Koht’s move reflects the ongoing shifts within Alabama’s roster as the team adjusts to player injuries and lineup changes. If you’re unfamiliar, Koht was a sought-after recruit back in 2020. Originally committed to LSU, he flipped to Alabama on signing day. At the time, he was ranked as the No. 2 weakside defensive end in his class and 43rd overall. His decision highlights the evolving dynamics of college football, where the transfer portal continues to play a pivotal role in shaping teams.

As of yet, Keanu Koht was not involved in Alabama’s wins over LSU and Mercer. On November 11, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer announced Koht’s undisclosed suspension. “He’s suspended right now. I’m not going to get into length or anything like that,” Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer stated prior to the match against Mercer. Before his suspension, Koht was a depth addition to the Tide’s defense. He finished the season with half a sack, 5 total tackles, and a fumble recovery.

Koht was one of Kane Wommack’s new WOLF pack, which also included Que Robinson (who is out for the season), Qua Russaw, and Yhonzae Pierre. With Robinson and Koht out for the remainder of the season, the depth of the Tide at that spot will be put to a test.

However, there is still concern about the Alabama linebacker’s potential. Does he have the potential to be a star? Which high school did he attend before moving to Alabama? 

Know more about Keanu Koht

Keanu Koht, a former four-star and Top 100 recruit in the 2021 class at Florida’s Vero Beach High School, was the third-ranked edge rusher in the country at the time. Throughout his time at Alabama, he struggled with injuries and missed his first season as a member of the Crimson Tide.

Despite a limited number of appearances (14 games) for Alabama, the star linebacker impressed the coaching staff with his ability and prowess. “Athletically, he’s a freak. He does some things—the way he can bend off the edge, his explosive ability. He plays with an extremely high motor right now, and he is grasping what we are doing from a schematic standpoint,” said Kane Wommack, Bama’s defensive coordinator.

Safe to say, officially, he won’t be able to use the transfer portal until December 9th. After that, the portal will remain accessible for 30 days. Let’s wait and see if the player changes his mind or remains in the transfer portal.

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