Could Alabama Target Auburn’s Malcolm Simmons in the Transfer Portal?
Alabama’s wide receiver room is already stacked with potential, but don’t be surprised if the Crimson Tide go shopping for more proven talent this winter - and they might not have to look far. One name to keep an eye on? Auburn’s Malcolm Simmons, a big-play threat who just hit the transfer portal.
Let’s start with where Alabama stands. On paper, the Tide have no shortage of playmakers.
Germie Bernard, Ryan Williams, and Isaiah Horton have all shown flashes - though that trio may not be together much longer. Bernard is NFL-bound, Horton could follow, and Williams, once seen as a potential rival to Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith in the 2024 class, hasn’t quite lived up to the early hype.
That’s not to say Williams is a bust - far from it. He’s still young, and there’s every chance he takes a big leap in 2026.
But when you look at what Alabama has coming back and coming in - Lotzeir Brooks, Derek Meadows, Rico Scott, and early signee Cederian Morgan - it’s clear the group is long on potential but short on proven production. That’s where the transfer portal comes in.
Enter Malcolm Simmons.
Simmons just wrapped up a solid season at Auburn, leading the Tigers in yards per catch (18.3) and finishing with 25 receptions for 457 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers may not jump off the page, but context matters. Auburn struggled mightily on offense, finishing with its fifth straight losing season, and Simmons still found ways to stretch the field.
He’s got speed. He’s got size.
And he’s got untapped upside - especially in a more stable offensive system with a quarterback who can consistently get him the ball. That’s where Alabama becomes an intriguing fit.
There’s still uncertainty under center in Tuscaloosa. Ty Simpson could return, but even if he doesn’t, Kalen DeBoer’s staff has multiple intriguing options lined up for 2026. Whoever ends up taking snaps, they’d have to like the idea of throwing to a duo like Simmons and Williams - two vertical threats who can flip the field in a heartbeat.
This potential move wouldn’t just be about poaching a rival’s talent. Simmons fits a real need for Alabama. He brings experience, explosiveness, and a proven ability to win downfield - exactly the kind of traits that can help stabilize a young, evolving wide receiver room.
A former four-star recruit, Simmons hasn’t had the chance to fully showcase his skill set at Auburn. That could change in a big way if he makes the move to Tuscaloosa. And while nothing’s official yet, this is the kind of transfer that makes sense for both player and program.
Keep an eye on this one. Alabama has the pedigree, the offensive infrastructure, and the opportunity to offer Simmons a fresh start - and a much bigger stage.