Alabama defensive back Peyton Woodyard enters NCAA transfer portal

Alabama defensive back Peyton Woodyard has entered the NCAA transfer portal, On3’s Pete Nakos has learned. Woodyard just went through spring practice with the Crimson Tide after being an early enrollee but will look to begin his college career elsewhere. He will have four years of eligibility remaining.

In addition, Woodyard has entered the portal with a ‘Do Not Contact’ tag.

Woodyard played high school football at Bellflower (CA) St. John Bosco, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 128 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

During his high school recruitment, Woodyard was once committed to Georgia. Woodyard decommitted and eventually gave his pledge to Alabama ahead of his senior year.

Former head coach Nick Saban was the one recruiting Woodyard, seeing him sign his National Letter of Intent back in December. The projected safety even went through bowl practices with Alabama as they prepared for the College Football Playoff semifinal vs. Michigan at the Rose Bowl.

Woodyard is now open to explore his options once again after the coaching change in Tuscaloosa took place. He got to work with Kalen DeBoer and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack but ultimately decided on a change of scenery.

As with every player from the SEC who has entered the portal this spring, they will not be eligible in the fall if their destination is another SEC school. If Woodyard wants to play as a true freshman, he will be committing a program outside of the SEC.

Alabama loses third player to NCAA transfer portal this spring

With Woodyard in the portal, he marks the third player Alabama has lost in the 15-day transfer window this spring. Defensive lineman Khurtis Perry and offensive lineman James Brockermeyer are leaving the program too but have more time in college football than Woodyard.

Brockermeyer entered with a ‘Do Not Contact’ tag on his name as well. He has since announced his commitment elsewhere, slating to play for the TCU Horned Frogs next season. His twin brother, Tommy Brockermeyer, did the same last offseason but has since medically retired from football.

Perry is still on the open market and has not found his next destination yet. You have to imagine an SEC-caliber defensive lineman is quite a popular person as teams attempt to fill out their 2024 rosters.