Alabama just added another piece to its ever-evolving offensive puzzle, and this one brings both SEC experience and a powerful frame to the backfield. Former Tennessee and Appalachian State running back Khalifa Keith has officially transferred to the Crimson Tide, giving Alabama another depth option at a position that’s seen plenty of movement this offseason.
Keith, a Birmingham native and Parker High School alum, made his commitment while visiting Tuscaloosa. He becomes the sixth scholarship running back on the roster for the 2026 season, joining a room that’s been reshaped by both departures and high-profile additions.
At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, Keith brings a physical presence to the backfield. He’s not coming in to steal the spotlight right away, but he’s the kind of bruising back who can wear down defenses in short-yardage situations or spell the lead guys when needed.
Across three seasons, he’s logged 34 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown - modest numbers, but they don’t tell the whole story. Most of his action came during his freshman year at Tennessee, where he appeared in 12 games, primarily on special teams.
Keith’s journey has been a winding one. Originally a three-star recruit in the 2023 class, he started his college career at Tennessee before spending time at Appalachian State. Now, he’s back in his home state, suiting up for a program that’s reloading in a big way under new leadership.
His addition comes at a time when Alabama’s running back room is undergoing a bit of a transformation. Jam Miller and Dre Washington are gone after exhausting their eligibility, and Richard Young made his exit via the transfer portal. That leaves Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, and AK Dear as the returning backs, with five-star signee Ezavier Crowell and three-star Trae’Shawn Brown joining the fold from the Tide’s No. 2-ranked 2026 recruiting class.
Keith won’t be expected to carry the load, but his presence adds valuable depth and experience. He’s the kind of player who can step in when needed and contribute without disrupting the rhythm of the offense - a luxury not every program has.
He’s also part of a much larger wave of portal activity in Tuscaloosa. Keith is the 19th transfer to join Alabama this offseason, as the Crimson Tide continue to reshape their roster with a mix of veteran talent and young upside. The list of newcomers includes names from all over the country and all three phases of the game - from Oklahoma State tight end Josh Ford to South Carolina edge rusher Desmond Umeozulu.
There’s a clear strategy at play here: plug gaps with experienced players, build depth across the board, and keep the talent pipeline flowing. And for guys like Keith, who are looking for a fresh start and a chance to contribute closer to home, Alabama offers both opportunity and familiarity.
As one recent transfer, defensive end Caleb Smith, put it: "My first intention for why I hit the transfer portal was for me to get closer to home. Alabama gave me a call and it wasn't a hard decision for me to make."
That sentiment is starting to echo across the roster. With Keith now in the fold, Alabama adds another name to an already deep and competitive backfield - and another piece to a roster that’s being rebuilt with purpose.