Alabama DT Jehiem Oatis plans to redshirt, enter transfer portal

Alabama junior defensive tackle Jehiem Oatis plans to redshirt and enter the NCAA transfer portal, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. He started 13 games in his first two seasons with the Crimson Tide and is reportedly leaving the program due to playing time.

Oatis’ agent, Adie von Gontard, confirmed Thamel’s report to On3. Oatis has only played in four games this season for Alabama, allowing him to preserve the year of eligibility.

In his first two seasons at Alabama, Oatis amassed 55 tackles, four pass deflections and 1.5 sacks. Evidently, Oatis has been unhappy with his playing time under head coach Kalen DeBoer. He only played 25 total snaps against Wisconsin and Georgia.

Oatis didn’t play in Alabama’s upset loss to Vanderbilt on Saturday due to a minor knee injury. On Monday, Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack addressed Oatis’ decision.

“He’s been battling some injuries. Has not been able to perform or produce the way that any of us would like, but my focus is really on the players that are going to do anything they can to help us win football games,” Wommack said.

More on Jehiem Oatis’ resume

Oatis played high school football at Columbia High School, where he was a four-star prospect (MS). He was the No. 77 overall player and No. 11 defensive lineman in the 2022 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

Standing at 6-foot-5, 325 pounds, Oatis boasts NFL size and garnered legitimate attention from pro scouts during his first two seasons with the Crimson Tide. Now, he will look to find a new home to further pursue his football career.

As a high school prospect, Jehiem Oatis chose Alabama over in-state Mississippi State and Ole Miss, along with LSU. He is expected to be a coveted transfer due to his proven ability against top talent in the collegiate football landscape.

Oatis’ decision is another loss for Alabama’s defense, which had its worst performance of the season in the Crimson Tide’s 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt. In the loss, Alabama allowed the Commodores to tally 418 total yards of offense.