Jaylen Mbakwe Shuts Down Transfer Rumors, Eyes Bigger Role in Alabama’s 2026 Offense
If you’ve been following Alabama’s roster buzz this offseason, you’ve probably heard Jaylen Mbakwe’s name tossed around in Transfer Portal speculation. But according to the man himself, that’s not happening.
“Definitely not,” Mbakwe said this past weekend when asked directly if he planned to hit the portal. That’s a pretty firm answer from a player who’s had every reason to consider a fresh start-but has chosen instead to stay the course in Tuscaloosa.
Let’s rewind for a second. Mbakwe came to Alabama as a 5-star athlete, one of the crown jewels of the 2024 signing class and a key holdover during the coaching transition from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer.
He started his college career at cornerback, where he made an impact as a freshman. But his heart was always on the offensive side of the ball.
After the 2024 regular season wrapped, Mbakwe seriously considered entering the Transfer Portal in search of an opportunity to play wide receiver. It made sense-he wanted a fresh start in a new role, and the Portal has become the go-to route for players looking to reset their trajectory. But DeBoer and his staff stepped in, made their pitch, and ultimately convinced Mbakwe to stay and make the position switch right there in Tuscaloosa.
That decision hasn’t come without growing pains.
Mbakwe’s second season has been quiet. He’s logged just 28 offensive snaps and caught three passes for 55 yards.
For a player of his pedigree, that’s a modest stat line-but it’s also part of the process. Switching sides of the ball at the college level is no small task, especially in a program as deep and competitive as Alabama’s.
Still, the outside noise has been loud. Fans and media alike have speculated that Mbakwe might be on his way out, pointing to his limited usage and Alabama’s ever-crowded receiver room. But Mbakwe has stayed locked in, and his recent comments make it clear: he’s not going anywhere.
And that could be big for the Crimson Tide in 2026.
With veteran wideout Germie Bernard out of eligibility and Isaiah Horton potentially eyeing the NFL Draft, Alabama’s receiver depth chart is going to have some openings. Mbakwe, with a full offseason to continue refining his game at WR, could be in line for a breakout.
He’s got the tools-elite speed, positional versatility, and a competitive edge that’s already helped him succeed on the defensive side. Now, it’s about putting it all together on offense. And with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb known for creative schemes and maximizing talent, there’s reason to believe Mbakwe could carve out a real role in the Tide’s attack next season.
The Transfer Portal officially opens on January 2 and runs through January 16. Technically, there’s still time for things to change. But Mbakwe’s words-and his decision to stick through a tough transition year-suggest he’s committed to the long game.
For Alabama, that’s a win. For Mbakwe, the payoff might just be around the corner.