Alabama’s running back room just got a much-needed boost.
On Saturday, former Appalachian State back Khalifa Keith announced he’s transferring to the Crimson Tide, giving Alabama six scholarship running backs heading into the offseason. It’s a timely addition for a position group that’s taken some serious hits in recent weeks.
Keith brings a bit of SEC experience with him, having started his college career at Tennessee. He spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons in Knoxville before making the move to Appalachian State for a year. Now, the Birmingham native is heading home - literally and figuratively - to join the Crimson Tide with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Keith’s production in college has been limited so far. He carried the ball just three times for eight yards last season at App State.
His most active campaign came in 2024 with the Vols, where he logged 21 carries for 100 yards. But Alabama isn’t necessarily bringing him in to be a workhorse from day one.
They’re adding depth, experience, and a back who knows what it’s like to compete in the SEC.
Coming out of Parker High School in Birmingham, Keith was a three-star recruit and the No. 42 running back in the 2023 class, per the 247Sports Composite. He chose Tennessee over offers from Kentucky, Florida State, and Georgia Tech - so he’s been on the radar of major programs for a while.
He becomes Alabama’s first running back addition through the portal this cycle. The Tide had previously landed a commitment from Hollywood Smothers, but he flipped to Texas before ever suiting up in Tuscaloosa.
And that portal activity couldn’t come at a better time. Alabama’s backfield has been thinned out this offseason.
Starter Jam Miller and reserve Dre Washington both exited the program after exhausting their eligibility, and Richard Young transferred to Colorado. That’s three backs out - and now, one coming in.
The need for reinforcements is especially clear after Alabama’s struggles in the run game this past season. The low point came in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, where the Tide managed negative rushing yards - a stat that speaks volumes about the need for growth up front and in the backfield.
With Smothers now off the table, Alabama will likely lean on a youth movement in 2026. Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley are back, but the most intriguing names might be redshirt freshman AK Dear and true freshman EJ Crowell. Both bring upside, but neither has taken a meaningful college snap yet.
That’s where a player like Keith can help. He may not have gaudy stats, but he’s played in big stadiums, taken hits in the SEC, and understands the grind of a college football season. He’s not coming in as the savior of the run game - but as a steadying presence in a young, evolving room, he could be exactly what Alabama needs.
The transfer portal is currently closed to new undergraduate entrants, but players already in the portal - like Keith - are free to sign. And for Alabama, this latest addition is a step toward rebuilding a backfield that’s suddenly full of question marks and potential.