Ball State transfer OL Arkel Anugwom commits to Alabama

Ball State transfer offensive lineman Arkel Anugwom has committed to Alabama, BOL’s Andrew Bone reported. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.

Anugwom didn’t play as a freshman in 2023 and made one start this past season for the Cardinals. At 6-foot-3, 330 pounds, he could be a strong depth piece for the Crimson Tide as Kalen DeBoer enters his second year at the helm.

Anugwom is the sixth player Alabama has signed so far this portal cycle. The headliner of the group is former Florida EDGE Kelby Collins. He comes in as the No. 53 overall player to hit the portal this cycle, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings.

Alabama also has a top-rated recruiting class coming in from the high school rankings. The Crimson Tide hold the No. 2-ranked group in the country following the Early Signing Period, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking. Five Star Plus+ quarterback Keelon Russell is the crown jewel of the class as the No. 2 overall player from the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Alabama’s season came to an end earlier this week in a ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan, but the Crimson Tide got some more good news in the trenches. Defensive lineman LT Overton announced he’s planning to run it back in Tuscaloosa for another year.

Overton appeared in all 13 games in 2024 to finish with 42 total tackles (three for loss), two sacks, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His return is certainly welcome news for an Alabama team that finished 9-4 this past season.

“The journey towards success that has been paved at Alabama by the guys before me is not over,” Overton wrote. “I am excited to take on challenges and I am always looking to provide leadership. I am also committed to working hard to achieve the goals that I share with my teammates.

“As the late Kobe Bryant would say — ‘Job’s not finished!’ In fact, this is just the beginning. 2025 will be a time for action. This is my official announcement — I am returning for my senior year. Roll Tide, Roll!”

Chandler Vessels contributed to this report.