Alabama just added a big piece to its offensive line puzzle - literally and figuratively.
Jayvin James, a 6-foot-5, 320-pound offensive tackle who spent last season starting for Mississippi State, is transferring to Alabama with two years of eligibility remaining. The former Akron Zip and Bulldog brings SEC experience and a growing résumé to Kalen DeBoer’s first roster in Tuscaloosa.
James made it official with a commitment announcement on social media, and while the post did the talking, his tape from 2025 speaks volumes. Starting 12 games for Mississippi State - missing only the season opener - James logged 856 snaps, primarily at left tackle.
He gave up just three sacks and was flagged six times across those reps, showing a solid mix of discipline and pass protection ability. For a team like Alabama, which is retooling in the trenches under a new regime, that kind of production is more than welcome.
Before his time in Starkville, James began his college career at Akron. He redshirted in 2023 after appearing in three games, then stepped into a bigger role in 2024 with 12 appearances and nine starts. That early experience, even at the Group of Five level, helped lay the foundation for his jump to the SEC.
James hails from Pompano Beach, Florida, and played his high school ball at Blanche Ely. Coming out of the 2023 recruiting class, he was rated a three-star prospect - the No. 164 offensive tackle nationally, No. 307 player in Florida, and No. 2,120 overall in the 247Sports Composite rankings. Those numbers might not have turned heads at the time, but his development since then has.
Alabama’s offensive line room is undergoing a transition, and James arrives at a crucial moment. With his size, versatility, and SEC reps already under his belt, he’s not just another body in the room - he’s a contender for meaningful snaps. Whether he locks down a starting role or adds depth to a unit that always needs it, James gives the Tide another proven option up front.
In a conference where trench play often decides championships, adding a player with James’ trajectory is a smart move. He’s already shown he can hold his own in the SEC. Now, he’ll look to take the next step in crimson and white.