Alabama football: 2023 transfer portal tracker
The NCAA transfer portal is now in full swing. From Dec. 5 through Jan. 18, college football players around the country will enter the portal in search of a new place to call home. Of course, that includes several Alabama players, including a few who have seen significant action in their careers.
As things sit, there are 13 former members of the Crimson Tide who have entered the transfer portal. That includes 10 on offense, two on defense and one specialist. Granted, only 12 of them were on scholarship, but the other was value depth as a specialist.
To keep you up to date with who all Alabama is losing, we’ve put together an easy to follow tracker. This will be updated periodically as we learn more about who is entering. We’ll also be providing reactions quick reactions to where each player lands.
To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.
RB Trey Sanders
On3 HS ranking (2019): 5-star / No. 10 overall / No. 1 RB
Date announced: Nov. 22, 2022
New school: TCU Horned Frogs
Commitment date: Jan. 5, 2022
Story: Alabama senior RB Trey Sanders enters transfer portal
Quick thoughts on Sanders entering the portal: Sanders has an unfortunate story, but it’s also an inspiring one. The former top running back recruit from 2019 was never able to regain his previous form after a car accident in 2020, but he has never stopped fighting to get back to full strength.
Sanders performed when Alabama needed him most, too. In 2021, he totaled 396 yards and two touchdowns. This year, he only had 14 carries, 80 yards and a touchdown to go with two catches for 13 yards. His departure isn’t surprising.
Quick thoughts on Sanders choosing TCU: The Horned Frogs have now added their third former Alabama player from the transfer portal. First, it was wide receiver JoJo Earle. Then, offensive tackle Tommy Brockermeyer decided to join him. Trey Sanders now makes No. 3 to take his talents to Forth Worth.
It’s a good landing spot for him too. TCU is gearing up to play in the national title game against Georgia on Monday. So obviously, it’s a good program. Plus, the former five-star talent will have an opportunity to earn a bigger role than he got in Tuscaloosa this season.
Starting running back Kendre Miller is a junior who’s ran for 1,399 yards and 17 touchdowns. It’s possible that he could turn pro. But even if he doesn’t, backup Emari Demercado (107 carries, 622 yards, six touchdowns) is a super senior who should be moving on after the national championship. Hopefully, Sanders is able to earn much-deserved playing time.
OL Amari Kight
On3 HS ranking (2019): 4-star / No. 72 overall / No. 10 OT
Date announced: Dec. 5, 2022
New school: UCF Knights
Commitment date: Dec. 23, 2022
Story: Alabama loses backup OT Amari Kight to transfer portal
Quick thoughts on Kight entering the portal: Outside of Earle, I’m most surprised to see Kight in the portal. With starting left tackle Tyler Steen leaving, I thought the Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson product would have a chance to compete for a job in the spring. I bet the staff was disappointed with this news as well.
Kight actually graded out as Alabama’s second-highest-rated player (88.9 overall), according to Pro Football Focus. Granted, that was only on 83 snaps, so it’s not enough of a sample size. In his four seasons, he’s played 164 snaps with zero starts.
Quick thoughts on Kight choosing UCF: Once again, a former Alabama player is taking his talents down to Orlando to play under Gus Malzahn. Last offseason, wide receiver Javon Baker eventually found his way there. Then a couple of weeks ago, it was announced that fellow receiver Christian Leary would be joining him.
Kight is one guy the Crimson Tide coaching staff wanted to keep around to compete in the spring, but unfortunately, he wanted to start fresh elsewhere. This was a huge get for the Knights. Both of their starting tackles this season, Ryan Swoboda and Tylan Grable, are former transfers who won’t be returning next season. That presents Kight with a big opportunity to seize a starting role.
OL Tommy Brockermeyer
On3 HS ranking (2021): 5-star / No. 6 overall / No. 2 OT
Date announced: Dec. 5, 2022
New school: TCU Horned Frogs
Commitment date: Dec. 20, 2022
Story: Former five-star OL Tommy Brockermeyer transferring
Quick thoughts on Brockermeyer entering the portal: A lot of fans are probably disappointed to learn that Brockermeyer is entering the transfer portal. Considering he was a five-star talent and top-10 player in the 2021 recruiting class, I can understand the frustrations.
Still, this news isn’t surprising.
Brockermeyer has dealt with a couple of injuries during his time in Tuscaloosa, and he hadn’t taken any significant steps towards moving up the depth chart. This is a guy who wants to play, and he’ll probably get that opportunity at his next stop. After redshirting in 2021, Brockermeyer had only played 19 snaps this season. That includes nine against UL-Monroe and 10 against Austin Peay.
Quick thoughts on Brockermeyer choosing TCU: Brockermeyer is now the second Alabama player to choose TCU after wide receiver JoJo Earle did the same last weekend. Like Earle, I’m sure a lot of this decision comes down to location, as Brockermeyer also hails from the state of Texas and TCU is an up-and-coming program.
I don’t think the former five-star tackle will have as easy of a path to playing time, however.
Both of the team’s starting tackles are redshirt juniors in Brandon Coleman and Andrew Coker. They’ve both performed pretty well, too. Still, Brockermeyer should have at least three more seasons of eligibility, depending on if his injured 2021 season makes him eligible for a medical redshirt. There’s plenty of time to eventually get on the field.
WR Aaron Anderson
On3 HS ranking (2022): 4-star / No. 36 overall / No. 4 WR
Date announced: Dec. 12, 2022
New school: LSU Tigers
Commitment date: Dec. 18, 2022
Story: Alabama freshman WR Aaron Anderson enters transfer portal
Quick thoughts on Anderson entering the portal: Anderson was at least somewhat of a surprising addition to the transfer portal. I thought he was a fantastic last-minute get from down in Louisiana, but unfortunately, an early preseason injury prevented him from getting on the field for Alabama in Year 1.
Several of his fellow 2022 wide receiver signees, including Isaiah Bond, Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law, have already been seeing the field though, which could be part of the reason why Anderson is electing to take his talents elsewhere. That trio — along with Jermaine Burton, Ja’Corey Brooks and even incoming JUCO standout Malik Benson — has the top of Alabama’s wide receiver depth chart crowded.
I remain a big fan of Anderson and could see him landing somewhere else in the SEC.
Quick thoughts on Anderson choosing LSU: I’ll take “Things We Saw Coming” for $200, Alex. In all seriousness, this decision shouldn’t come as a shock to Alabama fans. Anderson is a New Orleans native who many felt would go to LSU the first time around (he was even committed at one point). The impact of the Ed Orgeron firing tipped things in favor of the Crimson Tide, but now the former top-40 recruit is heading home to play for Brian Kelly.
More than likely, the Tigers will have their quarterback returning next season in Jayden Daniels. Plus, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has elected to come back for a fourth year after a disappointing junior season. Throw in Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr. and freshman tight end Mason Taylor, and there shouldn’t be a shortage of talented pass-catchers in Baton Rouge. Anderson may have a difficult time getting on the field for LSU in 2023, but with that said, I still love his talent. I wouldn’t be completely shocked if he still found his way into the rotation either. He might’ve been able to do the same in Tuscaloosa had it not been for a preseason injury that slowed his development.
OL Javion Cohen
On3 HS ranking (2020): 4-star / No. 291 overall / No. 28 OT
Date announced: Dec. 4, 2022
New school: Miami Hurricanes
Commitment date: Dec. 18, 2022
Story: Alabama starting OG Javion Cohen to enter transfer portal
Quick thoughts on Cohen entering the portal: Cohen’s departure might come as a shock to some fans.
This is a guy who’s started 25 games over the past two seasons with 1,624 career snaps in 31 contests played. That would’ve made him the most experienced offensive lineman returning next year. Instead, he’ll look to finish his career elsewhere. His departure, on top of losing Tyler Steen, Darrian Dalcourt, Emil Ekiyor Jr. and Amari Kight, means there will be a lot of new faces in the two-deep come 2023.
I will add that Alabama’s coaching staff expected this decision, however.
Quick thoughts on Cohen choosing Miami: Miami needs all the help it can get on offense. Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal is doing fantastic work on the recruiting trail, but the on-field product hasn’t been very good. A lot of the struggles on offense can be attributed to poor offensive line play though.
Cohen took an official visit to South Beach this past weekend, and now, he’ll be taking his talents down there.
One of the team’s starting tackles, Zion Nelson, missed this past season with an injury. There are several other guys with starting experience, too, including John Campbell, Anez Cooper, Jalen Rivers and Jakai Clark. Plus, there are two five-star tackle offensive line commitments in Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola.
That’s a lot of competition for Cohen, but the unit hasn’t been great this year, so I’m guessing he’ll start.
CB Khyree Jackson
On3 JUCO ranking (2021): 4-star / No. 5 overall / No. 2 CB
Date announced: Nov. 23, 2022
New school: Oregon Ducks
Commitment date: Dec. 18, 2022
Story: Alabama CB Khyree Jackson enters NCAA transfer portal
Quick thoughts on Jackson entereing the portal: Jackson is an interesting loss.
On one hand, he does have experience, both at Alabama and on the JUCO level. He’s played in 21 games during his two years in Tuscaloosa while getting two starts and playing 197 snaps on defense. At 6-foot-3, 198 pounds, he’s a long, physical defensive back, but he has struggled to carry receivers vertically.
Quick thoughts on Jackson choosing Oregon: It looks like Jackson will be reuniting with former Alabama teammate Traeshon Holden in Eugene. After failing to get on the field with any sort of consistency in Tuscaloosa, the defensive back will look to bolster an Oregon pass defense that ranks No. 107 nationally, allowing 260.6 yards per game so far this season.
The Ducks are losing star cornerback Christian Gonzalez early to the NFL. He’s projected to be a first-round draft pick. That, on top of losing veteran safety Bennett Williams, leaves an already struggling secondary even more depleted with depth and talent. That’s why Jackson was such a priority. He’ll have an opportunity to earn immediate playing time.
WR JoJo Earle
On3 HS ranking (2021): 4-star / No. 44 overall / No. 6 WR
Date announced: Dec. 5, 2022
New school: TCU Horned Frogs
Commitment date: Dec. 17, 2022
Story: Alabama WR JoJo Earle next contributor to enter portal
Quick thoughts on Earle entering the portal: Of all of Alabama’s losses to the portal, this one might be the most shocking. Granted, there are reasons behind everything, but we should note that the Crimson Tide aren’t actively trying to recruit Earle out of the portal. That should probably tell us something.
Earle struggled with injuries throughout his two years in Tuscaloosa. There were flashes, but the former top 50 recruit never fully put it together. With him primarily playing in the slot, it’ll be interesting to see who all Alabama uses there in 2023. In 18 games, Earle had 24 catches for 303 yards and two scores.
Quick thoughts on Earle choosing TCU: Earle is leaving one top-25 passing offense in Tuscaloosa for another in Fort Worth. The former top-50 recruit played high school football in Aledo (Tex.), which is only about 20 minutes outside of Fort Worth.
It’s possible that Heisman finalist quarterback Max Duggan could return for a fifth and final season, too.
With the Horned Frogs being in the College Football Playoff this season, I can see where that combination would make TCU appealing to Earle. Then throw in the top six pass-catchers being juniors or seniors, and now you can understand why this was always his most likely destination.
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P Jack Martin
On3 HS ranking (2021): N/A
Date announced: Oct. 31, 2022
New school: Houston Cougars
Commitment date: Dec. 14, 2022
Story: Alabama loses specialist Jack Martin to transfer portal
Quick thoughts on Martin entering the portal: Martin has the ability to punt and kick, and he’s been valuable depth at both spots throughout his two-year stint in Tuscaloosa. For his Alabama career, the former Troy transfer appeared in six games while only attempting one field goal (made from 29 yards out). He also kicked off 10 times.
Quick thoughts on Martin choosing Houston: Considering Houston already has punter Laine Wilkins on the roster, I’m guessing that Martin will be handling kicking duties. Wilkins averaged an impressive 44.6 yards on 37 punts last season and has also averaged 42.5 yards in his three-year career.
I’m not sure about that, but one of the team’s two kickers, Bubba Baxa, was a senior who only converted 9-of-14 attempts (64.3%). The Cougars do still have Kyle Ramsey though, so maybe Martin will continue to provide depth at both. Either way, it’s another fresh start for the Mobile (Ala.) native.
WR Christian Leary
On3 HS ranking (2021): 4-star / No. 59 overall / No. 8 WR
Date announced: Nov. 30, 2022
New school: UCF Knights
Commitment date: Dec. 13, 2022
Story: Alabama WR becomes next Tide player to enter portal
Quick thoughts on Leary entering the portal: Leary is a former top-10 receiver from the 2021 recruiting cycle. As a freshman, the Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater product moved to running back due to a slew of injuries at the position. He totaled 26 yards (22 rushing, 4 receiving) and a touchdown on five touches.
A big A-Day performance (five catches, 106 yards) had fans hoping for bigger contributions in 2022, but it never came to fruition. Leary has only seen 45 snaps on offense in 10 games this season. That’s led to one catch for only six yards.
Quick thoughts on Leary choosing UCF: This is a huge score for Gus Malzahn. I still believe Leary had SEC talent, but now he’ll be heading to Orlando to reunite with another former Alabama wide receiver in Javon Baker. Baker leads the Knights in receiving yards with 747 while also putting up 54 catches and five touchdowns.
With Baker having so much success down in Florida, it makes sense for Leary, who’s actually from Orlando, to return home and join him. Now, the two will join former Auburn receiver Kobe Hudson to give UCF a nice trio of options for former Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (yeah, that’s a lot of former SEC talent).
DL Braylen Ingraham
On3 HS ranking (2019): 4-star / No. 158 overall / No. 22 DL
Date announced: Sept. 22, 2022
New school: Syracuse Orange
Commitment date: Dec. 12, 2022
Story: Alabama DL Braylen Ingraham enters transfer portal
Quick thoughts on Ingraham entering the portal: Ingraham hasn’t been with the team in quite some time. Alabama has already gotten used to life without the defensive lineman, but I will be curious to see where he ends up. At 6-foot-4, 298 pounds, he’s got some inside-out ability. He only played 26 snaps at Alabama.
Quick thoughts on Ingraham choosing Syracuse: For the first month and a half of the regular season, Syracuse was one of college football’s most surprising teams. The Orange started the year 6-0 en route to a top-25 ranking, but things quickly fell apart after playing three top-25 teams in a four-week period.
After the six-game winning streak, Syracuse went on to lose five straight before beating Boston College 32-23 to finish 7-5. The Orange run a 3-3-5 system — or at least they did. Defensive coordinator Tony White, who was responsible for their huge turnaround on defense, is now heading to Nebraska.
Still, this program needs more talent up front to go alongside star defensive lineman Caleb Okechukwu and others. Ingraham wasn’t able to find his way to the field in Tuscaloosa, but a fresh start could do him some good. Syracuse is a nice landing spot for him.
WR Traeshon Holden
On3 HS ranking (2020): 4-star / No. 193 overall / No. 36 WR
Date entered: Nov. 30, 2022
New school: Oregon Ducks
Commitment date: Dec. 11, 2022
Story: Traeshon Holden now second Alabama WR to enter portal
Quick thoughts on Holden entering the portal: Holden has been a steady target for quarterback Bryce Young over the last two seasons. In the last two seasons, he’s totaled 46 receptions for 570 yards and seven touchdowns. Of that, 21 catches for 331 yards and six scores have come in 2022.
Holden has appeared in 24 games since the start of the 2021 season. At 6-foot-3, 214 pounds, the junior has also been the biggest wide receiver on Alabama’s roster. With his size and experience, I believe the veteran pass-catcher will land on his feet somewhere.
Quick thoughts on Holden choosing Oregon: It’d help if Bo Nix chose to return to Oregon for one more season. The former Auburn quarterback broke out this year, completing 71.5% of his passes for 3,388 yards, 27 touchdowns and only six interceptions. Nix added 504 yards and 14 scores on the ground while also adding another touchdown as a receiver.
Despite all of Nix’s success, none of Oregon’s receivers posted more than 900 yards. The ball was spread around quite a bit, which means there might be room for Holden to carve out a role. Plus, he should have two years of eligibility remaining.
CLICK HERE for more discussion on the latest Alabama transfer portal news!
OL Tanner Bowles
On3 HS ranking (2019): 4-star / No. 337 overall / No. 34 OT
Date announced: Nov. 30, 2022
New school: Kentucky Wildcats
Commitment date: Dec. 8, 2022
Story: Alabama OL Tanner Bowles entering transfer portal
Quick thoughts on Bowles entering the portal: Bowles played in every game this season for Alabama, but the fourth-year junior has only seen 40 snaps on offense. Those snaps have come against Utah State (6), UL-Monroe (14), Vanderbilt (10) and Austin Peay (10). For his career, he’s only played 86 snaps.
Bowles has the versatility to play every position along the offensive line. As a former four-star recruit with plenty of experience in an elite program such as Alabama, I’d expect him to have some sort of market, even if it isn’t in the SEC or even Power Five. We’ll see.
Quick thoughts on Bowles choosing Kentucky: I like that Bowles is staying in the SEC. I’m not sure he’ll be a starter for the Wildcats, but with his positional flexibility, he should have every opportunity. Kentucky’s offensive line struggled after losing position coach Eric Wolford to Alabama, so hopefully, Bowles will be able to help out somewhere.
Unfortunately, the Will Levis–Chris Rodriguez backfield duo is both leaving for the NFL.
OT Damieon George
On3 HS ranking (2020): 4-star / No. 336 overall / No. 35 OT
Date announced: Nov. 28, 2022
New school: TBD
Commitment date: TBD
Story: Alabama’s Damieon George plans to enter transfer portal
Quick thoughts on George entering the portal: At one time, George was considered one of Alabama’s most promising offensive linemen. Last season, he saw 268 snaps at right tackle while playing in 12 games, three of which were starts. Unfortunately, pass protection struggles in the Iron Bowl led to his benching, and we didn’t see him again that season.
The 6-foot-6, 333-pounder moved inside to guard during the spring and ran with the first-team offense while Emil Ekiyor Jr. was out, but he only played in the first two games this year. Plus, we hadn’t seen him on offense since the 20 snaps he played against Utah State in the season opener.
Walk-ons entering transfer portal
WR Jacoby Boykins; RB Elijah Crockett
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