Jaylen Mbakwe Staying Put, Embracing the Grind at Alabama
Jaylen Mbakwe isn’t going anywhere - and he made that crystal clear during Alabama’s Rose Bowl media day.
“Roll Tide,” he said with a smile, confirming he’ll be back in Tuscaloosa for a third season with the Crimson Tide.
It’s been a quieter year on the field for Mbakwe compared to his true freshman campaign in 2024, when he saw meaningful snaps at defensive back. This season, he made the switch to wide receiver - a move that came with its own set of challenges, especially in a receiver room as deep and talented as Alabama’s.
With names like Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, Isaiah Horton, and Lotzier Brooks all competing for reps, getting on the field hasn’t been easy. But for Mbakwe, the decision to change positions wasn’t about playing time - it was about passion.
“It was really just me as a player and who I am,” Mbakwe said. “Love the competition.
Love being competitive. Just love football all around.
So it was just me being me - taking it all in, putting my head down, keep working. And it shows at practice.”
That mindset has defined Mbakwe since his days at Clay-Chalkville High School, where he was a five-star recruit and a dynamic all-around athlete, even playing quarterback. He committed to Alabama under Nick Saban and stayed loyal through the coaching transition to Kalen DeBoer - a decision that speaks volumes about his commitment to the program.
But for a guy who’s used to being on the field, this season has required a different kind of development.
“Patience has been a big key for me,” he said. “This year, I’ve had a lot of patience.
Just like I said, being level-headed, staying grounded, leaning on God. Just being who I am, being where my feet are.
Like I always say - when my time comes, I’ll make the best of my opportunities.”
So far in 2025, Mbakwe has logged three catches for 55 yards and contributed on special teams. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but they’re part of a bigger story - one of growth, adaptability, and a player learning how to carve out his role.
Interestingly, Mbakwe’s time on defense is still paying dividends. His background as a defensive back - and even more so, his experience as a high school quarterback - has helped him understand the game from multiple angles, particularly when it comes to reading coverages.
“Knowing coverages - that translated very well,” he said. “Also, from high school, being a quarterback, all that translated as well. Just that was the biggest thing, knowing the coverages and stuff like that.”
But the transition hasn’t been without its hurdles. Timing, in particular, has been one of the trickier aspects of learning the receiver position at the college level.
“Just knowing the progression of the quarterback,” Mbakwe explained. “Knowing where I got to be at that specific time - just little things like that. Just little things for me to be on time with the quarterback.”
Looking ahead, Alabama’s receiver room will look different in 2026. Bernard is NFL-bound after using up his eligibility, and with the ever-active transfer portal, roster changes are always on the horizon. But Mbakwe isn’t focused on what’s next - he’s locked in on the now.
Alabama has its hands full with No. 1 Indiana in the College Football Playoff Rose Bowl quarterfinal. It’s a massive stage, with national championship hopes hanging in the balance.
Mbakwe has studied the Hoosiers and knows the challenge they present.
“They’re very great defensively,” he said. “Don’t make no mistakes.
Great DBs, great front seven. So they’re great.
We just got to play within our game, make no mistakes. Everybody be in the right position to make plays.”
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CT on Thursday, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN. For Mbakwe, it’s another opportunity to keep grinding, keep learning, and keep showing why he’s not going anywhere.