The transfer portal window officially closed on January 16, and with the paperwork deadline now passed as well, Alabama football’s roster turnover appears to be complete-at least when it comes to undergraduates entering the portal. And while the Crimson Tide certainly saw its fair share of departures, nearly every player who left has already found a new home, with some even staying within the SEC.
Let’s break down where each former Alabama player landed-and what it might mean for their futures.
Kam Howard, DB - Boston College
Howard struggled to find playing time in Tuscaloosa last season, but he’s headed north to Boston College in search of a fresh start. He’ll reunite with a familiar face there, joining former Alabama offensive coordinator in a system that could offer more opportunities to get on the field.
Roq Montgomery, OL - Western Kentucky
Montgomery made more headlines with his offseason comments about Alabama’s intense workouts than he did with his play. He didn’t see any snaps in 2025, but he’ll get a new shot at Western Kentucky, hoping to turn the page and prove himself on the field.
Richard Young, RB - Colorado
Young was part of a crowded Alabama backfield that never quite found its rhythm this past season.
In limited action, he logged 27 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Now, he heads to Boulder, where Coach Deion Sanders is building something dynamic-and where Young might get the chance to be a bigger piece of the puzzle.
Jaylen Mbakwe, WR - Georgia Tech
Once a five-star prospect out of Clay-Chalkville, Mbakwe initially said he planned to stay at Alabama.
But plans change, and the former defensive back-turned-wide receiver is now headed to Georgia Tech. A fresh role and a new environment could be just what he needs to unlock his potential.
Joseph Ionata, OL - Georgia Tech
Joining Mbakwe in Atlanta is Ionata, who didn’t see much action in 2025.
Though listed as Alabama’s backup center, he was often passed over in favor of Geno VanDeMark when starter Parker Brailsford was unavailable. Georgia Tech gives Ionata a chance to compete for meaningful snaps.
Jalen Hale, WR - SMU
Hale flashed potential in 2023 with five catches for 148 yards, but a serious leg injury sidelined him for the entire 2024 season.
He returned to action in 2025 but didn’t record a catch in five games. Now at SMU, Hale will look to recapture the explosiveness that once made him a rising star.
Olaus Alinen, OL - Kentucky
The Finnish lineman never quite broke through during his three years in Tuscaloosa. He’ll try to carve out a more significant role in Lexington under new head coach Will Stein, where a fresh coaching staff could help unlock his potential.
Noah Carter, LB - Georgia Tech
Carter came in as an edge rusher in the 2024 class and showed flashes over two seasons, totaling 10 tackles. With a real chance at playing time on the horizon, he instead opted for a reset, heading to Georgia Tech where he’ll aim to make a bigger impact.
Peter Notaro, K - West Virginia
Notaro never climbed past Conor Talty on the depth chart and only handled five kickoffs in his time at Alabama. With Talty still around and a new kicker coming in via the portal, Notaro heads closer to home-just two hours away-in hopes of getting more opportunities with the Mountaineers.
Micah DeBose, OL - Vanderbilt
A promising prospect out of Theodore High, DeBose saw the field just once in 2025, in a game against Eastern Illinois. He’ll stay in the SEC, joining Vanderbilt where he could get a real shot at playing time and development.
Cole Adams, WR/PR - Vanderbilt
Adams served as Alabama’s primary punt returner in 2025 and added 13 catches for 176 yards. He joins DeBose in Nashville, where he’ll likely take on a bigger offensive role-and get a chance to face his former team next season.
Wilkin Formby, OL - Texas A&M
Formby was a key piece of Alabama’s offensive line last season, starting at both tackle and guard. Now, he’s set to return to his hometown of Tuscaloosa-not as a Tide player, but as a member of the Aggies, who come to Bryant-Denny on October 24.
Keon Keeley, DL - Notre Dame
A former five-star recruit and the No. 2 player in the 2023 class, Keeley finally saw a breakout season in 2025, tallying 16 tackles and three sacks. Rather than stick around for a fourth year, he’s off to Notre Dame-a program that pursued him hard out of high school.
Cam Calhoun, DB - Ohio State
Calhoun didn’t see much action in Alabama’s secondary last season, but he’s betting on himself with a move to Columbus. The Ohio native is hoping to follow a similar path to Caleb Downs, who found stardom after transferring from Alabama to Ohio State.
Qua Russaw, DL - Ohio State
Joining Calhoun in Columbus is Russaw, though his path there is a bit different.
The Montgomery native started three games in 2025 before a foot injury against Georgia cut his season short. He finished with 14 tackles and a sack, and now looks to get back on track as a Buckeye.
James Smith, DL - Ohio State
Smith and Russaw were a package deal out of Carver-Montgomery, and they’re sticking together once again. Smith had a solid 2025 campaign with 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks, and now he’ll look to continue that momentum in the Big Ten.
David Bird, LS - TBD
The only Alabama player still without a new home is Bird, who transferred in from Cal and spent one year as a long snapper. His next step remains uncertain, but he’s likely exploring his options as rosters settle.
Kelby Collins, DL - South Carolina
Collins began his college career at Florida, making 29 tackles across two seasons, before transferring to Alabama. He added 10 tackles and two sacks in Tuscaloosa, and now he’s continuing his SEC journey with a move to South Carolina.
Arkel Anugwom, OL - Northwestern
Anugwom came to Alabama from Miami (Ohio) ahead of the 2025 season but saw action in just one game-Eastern Illinois. He’s now heading to the Big Ten, where he’ll join Northwestern and look for a bigger role.
Isaiah Horton, WR - Texas A&M
Horton’s transfer stings.
He led Alabama in touchdown receptions last season with eight, and was third on the team in catches (42) and yards (511). Though his numbers dipped from 2024, he remained a key target.
Now, he’ll suit up for the Aggies-and return to Tuscaloosa on October 24.
Jordan Renaud, DL - Ole Miss
After three seasons in Tuscaloosa and 34 total tackles (16 in 2025), Renaud is heading back to his home state of Mississippi. Pete Golding, the coach who originally recruited him to Alabama, is now at Ole Miss-adding another layer to this SEC reunion.
Final Thoughts
Roster turnover is nothing new in the transfer portal era, but Alabama’s 2026 departures reflect a mix of players seeking more playing time, fresh starts, or simply a better fit.
Some were buried on the depth chart. Others, like Horton and Keeley, were key contributors who opted for new challenges.
What’s clear is that the Crimson Tide will look very different next season-and so will many of the teams they’ll face.