Alabama’s offensive line rebuild is picking up serious momentum - and fast. On Friday night, the Crimson Tide added another big piece up front, landing Texas freshman offensive tackle Nick Brooks just days after he officially entered the transfer portal. The move comes on the heels of Alabama securing a commitment from Cal Poly’s Racin Delgatty, marking four new additions to the offensive line via the portal as head coach Kalen DeBoer reshapes the trenches in Tuscaloosa.
Let’s talk about Brooks - because this is a significant pickup.
At 6-foot-8, 345 pounds, Brooks is a towering presence with the kind of frame that jumps off the screen. Originally a four-star recruit in the 2025 class out of Longanville, Georgia, he signed with Texas as part of a loaded offensive line group.
While he came in as a backup at left tackle, injuries on the Longhorns’ line forced him into action - and he responded by starting three games at guard. That kind of versatility, especially from a true freshman, is exactly what Alabama needs right now.
Brooks only played in four games this past season, preserving his redshirt and giving him four full years of eligibility. That’s a win-win for Alabama: they’re getting a player with high upside, some real game experience, and plenty of runway for development.
With Kadyn Proctor off to the NFL, there’s a clear opening at left tackle - and Brooks will be right in the mix. He’ll compete with redshirt freshmen Jackson Lloyd and Ty Haywood, a transfer from Michigan.
While Lloyd may have a slight edge based on time in the system, Brooks’ size, athleticism, and experience could make him a real contender. And if he doesn’t win the job outright, his ability to slide inside gives Alabama flexibility - something this staff clearly values.
DeBoer and general manager Courtney Morgan came into the offseason with a clear mission: revamp the offensive line. After a 2025 campaign where Alabama struggled to protect quarterback Ty Simpson and fielded one of the least productive rushing attacks in program history, change was inevitable.
And so far, the results speak for themselves. Between Brooks, Delgatty, and two other portal additions, the Crimson Tide are reloading with purpose.
And they’re not done.
Ole Miss transfer guard Ethan Fields is currently on campus for a visit, and Alabama is very much in the mix. Adding Fields would only deepen a group that’s quickly transforming from a liability into a potential strength.
After a few early bumps in the portal process, Alabama’s offensive line rebuild is starting to take shape. The new staff knew what they were walking into - and they’re attacking it head-on. With Brooks now in the fold, the Tide are one step closer to restoring the dominance that’s long defined their play in the trenches.