Former Alabama transfer, Iowa offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor plans to re-enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Earlier this offseason former Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor announced his commitment to Iowa. However, he plans to re-enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, per Scott Dochterman.

Proctor is a former Five-Star Plus+ prospect, and he was the top-ranked offensive tackle in the 2023 recruiting class. Originally, he passed on Iowa during his recruitment, flipping his commitment from the Hawkeyes to Alabama a day before signing day in December 2022, before choosing to return to the Hawkeyes.

Moreover, Proctor started 13 games at left tackle as a true freshman, earning All-SEC Freshman Team honors. He picked up SEC Freshman of the Week recognition for his play at Auburn and was named to On3’s Freshmen All-American team.

The decision to leave Tuscaloosa came after Nick Saban announced his retirement. Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer was then tabbed as Saban’s successor. Defensive back Caleb Downs and Proctor both announced their plans to leave the Crimson Tide on the same day, which signaled two key losses for Alabama. 

Now, it remains to be seen where Proctor will end up, whether he’s returning to Tuscaloosa or headed elsewhere, but it’s a fascinating turn of events.

More on Kadyn Proctor, NCAA Transfer Portal

Continuing, Greg McElroy stated his belief that Proctor would be a significant addition to Iowa, prior to Proctor re-entering the portal. He spoke about the decision during ‘Always College Football’  earlier this offseason.

He started with as assessment of his lone season with the Crimson Tide and how he developed over the course of his freshman year in Tuscaloosa.

“(He) had a pretty solid season as a left tackle. Granted, there were a lot of ups and downs,” said McElroy. “He had a bunch of moments where he didn’t play so well and he had some other moments where he really looked comfortable. His best game ever was against Georgia in the SEC Championship.”

Evidently, McElroy believes a return to Iowa would’ve worked wonders for Proctor, but it wasn’t to be, as it seems.

“I do think that this style is going to be beneficial for Kadyn Proctor,” said McElroy. “We don’t know what Iowa’s offense is going to look like right now. But I do think a ground & pound where he can use his size, use his physicality will be more more beneficial than being on an island like he was at times for the Crimson Tide.”

“The SEC? You’re going to have a lot of really twitchy pass rushers. That did not end well for Kadyn Proctor last year.”

On3’s Pete Nakos and Griffin McVeigh contributed to this article.