Florida defensive lineman transfer Kelby Collins commits to Alabama

Former Florida defensive lineman Kelby Collins has committed to Alabama. Collins spent two seasons in Gainesville but returns to his home state, opting to continue his college career with the Crimson Tide. A nice get for head coach Kalen DeBoer as he plans to hit the NCAA transfer portal hard this offseason.

Two years of eligibility remain for Collins. Just six appearances took place this past season, recording six tackles. Collins was more productive as a true freshman, playing in 12 games with 23 tackles, 1.5 tackle-for-loss and sacks, four quarterback hurries, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble. Those numbers were good enough for him to be named to the freshman All-SEC team.

Alabama will welcome Collins into a room needing some depth and quality ahead of the 2025 season. His exact position in Tuscaloosa is not yet known, needing to find a place in Kane Wommack‘s defense. Florida placed Collins both on the interior and outside on the EDGE at times.

Collins’ development will continue at Alabama, hopefully producing numbers more similar to the 2023 season. The hope will be that he can live up to the ranking coming out of high school, being a hot commodity not too long ago.

Alabama was in the thick of Collins’ recruitment coming out of high school. Nick Saban was still in charge of the program, wanting to keep the in-state prospect home. Even so, Billy Napier‘s staff was able to pull off a massive win at the time. Georgia was involved as well, meaning SEC powers were circling.

Two years later, things have potentially come full circle. Collins will play for Alabama after all and potentially finish his career out with them.

Collins played high school football at Gardendale (AL) High School, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 45 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.