Alabama Safety Kameron Howard to Enter Transfer Portal After Limited 2025 Season
Alabama safety Kameron Howard is on the move again. The redshirt sophomore announced Saturday that he’s entering the NCAA transfer portal, marking his second transfer in as many years after arriving in Tuscaloosa from Charlotte ahead of the 2024 season.
Howard saw limited action this fall, appearing in just two games - early-season matchups against Wisconsin and ULM. His only defensive snaps came in the fourth quarter of the ULM game, totaling just 11 plays on that side of the ball.
After that, his availability dwindled. He wasn’t suited up for Alabama’s November 22 game against Eastern Illinois and was officially ruled out for the Tide’s biggest matchups of the season - against Auburn, Georgia in the SEC title game, and Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff first round.
It’s a tough break for a player who showed promise as a freshman at Charlotte, where he played in 12 games during the 2023 season. His move to Alabama in 2024 came with hopes of climbing the depth chart, but after appearing in just four games over two years and redshirting last season, Howard will now look for a fresh opportunity elsewhere.
The NCAA transfer portal officially opens January 2 and will remain open through January 16. Players from teams still competing in the national championship get an extra five-day window, but for Howard, the clock starts ticking with the New Year.
He becomes the first member of Alabama’s 2025 roster to publicly declare for the portal. Wide receiver Aeryn Hampton, who left the program back in August, is also expected to enter once the window opens.
Howard’s departure adds another layer of intrigue to Alabama’s safety room heading into 2026. Starters Keon Sabb and Bray Hubbard both have eligibility left, but they’ll need to weigh their NFL draft decisions in the coming weeks.
Behind them, the Tide leaned on sophomore Zavier Mincey and freshman Ivan Taylor as the primary backups this season. Sophomore Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., another potential depth piece, has been suspended since late October.
Looking ahead, Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class already includes reinforcements at safety, with four-star Jireh Edwards and three-star Rihyael Kelley set to join the fold. With Howard’s exit and potential draft declarations looming, those freshmen may be asked to contribute sooner than expected.
For now, Howard becomes another name to watch in a portal cycle that’s sure to reshape rosters across college football. His next stop could offer the playing time that proved elusive in Tuscaloosa.