Alabama
Former Alabama OL starter transferring to SEC rival
Alabama football will see one of its ex-starters next season. Wilkin Formby is joining Texas A&M out of the transfer portal, after three seasons with the Crimson Tide.
Formby shared the news to his Instagram account on Wednesday. He opted to enter the transfer portal after the 2025 season came to an end with a 38-3 loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
The Tuscaloosa native and Northridge product played both guard and tackle this past season. Coaches praised his versatility.
“Wilkin obviously has the athleticism to to play inside, and the size,” offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said in September. “So I think there’s a couple things that happen for Wilkin in there, his natural pad-level because he’s got his hand in the dirt, and he’s got a good base and wide frame, so he’d done a really nice job in there. So we keep working on that and expand. As long as he can stay right-handed, playing on the right side, I think the transition for him is easy.”
Formby started out the year at right tackle, where he had previously played. He eventually moved over to guard, after Michael Carroll emerged as a viable tackle option.
The departure of Formby is part of a larger renovation of the Crimson Tide’s offensive line, which has now lost every starter besides Carroll. Kadyn Proctor and Parker Brailsford opted to leave early for the NFL Draft, while Geno VanDeMark, Kam Dewberry and Jaeden Roberts are out of eligibility.
Alabama is also losing several reserve linemen to the portal. Arkel Anugwom is entering, joining Olaus Alinen (who committed to Kentucky), Joseph Ionata and Micah DeBose.
UA has made one offensive line pickup from the portal. Former Michigan center Kaden Strayhorn is joining the Tide.
Alabama will face Formby in Tuscaloosa this season. Texas A&M visits Bryant-Denny Stadium on Oct. 24.
Undergraduate players can opt to enter the transfer portal through Jan. 16.
Personal fireworks use in central AL. Watch video
Thinking of lighting some personal fireworks in Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, Millbrook or Pike Road? What you should know, and safety tips.
No rocket’s red glare? No bombs bursting in air? Welcome to the Fourth of July in Alabama.
While the rest of the country lights up the night, strict fireworks laws in some Alabama spots mean residents will have to celebrate without the snap, crackle and boom.
Here’s what to know about fireworks laws and regulations in the state.
Shop Walmart this 4th of July
Are fireworks permitted in Alabama?
Fireworks are banned in Alabama’s cities and towns — aside from professional fireworks displays put on by cities — but are legal in most rural areas. Even if fireworks are allowed, local rules on noise and timing still apply.
What fireworks are permitted, and illegal, in Alabama?
In Alabama, Class C Common Fireworks are generally permitted for use. This includes the following:
- Bottle rockets
- Roman candles
- Sparklers
- Smoke bombs
- Firecrackers
- Wheels
- Spinners
Illegal fireworks include ground salute fireworks containing more than two grains of explosives and those purchased through mail order. Also unlawful are M-80s, cherry bombs and silver salutes.
Who can buy fireworks in Alabama?
In Alabama, you must be at least 16 years of age to buy fireworks unless you’re with an adult. Sales are off-limits to anyone who is intoxicated or deemed irresponsible. Buyers must show a valid driver’s license or state-approved ID.
Are there regulations to selling fireworks in Alabama?
In Alabama, fireworks can’t be sold in tents, trailers or car trunks. Vendors must use a permanent or modular building at least eight feet wide and set on a foundation. All fireworks on display must have protected fuses, and sellers need a state permit to operate.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com.
ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) – A search is underway for a missing boater in St. Clair County.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said 64-year-old William R. North, of Bessemer, was serving as a spotter for the Pell City Sail Club with an ongoing race. Officials said North attempted to transition from a sailboat to an unoccupied “jon boat” and fell into the water and did not resurface.
ALEA said a search for North is ongoing, near the Pell City Sail Club on the southern portion of the lake, with the following agencies:
- ALEA Aviation Unit
- ALEA Marine Patrol
- Pell City Police Department
- Pell City Fire Department
- St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office
- Lincoln Special Operations Unit
- New London Fire Department
- Childersburg Rescue Squad
- Munford Rescue Squad
WBRC confirmed Sunday evening that North is the assistant district attorney for Jefferson County’s Bessemer Cutoff.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Copyright 2026 WBRC. All rights reserved.
An Alabama football commitment from the class of 2027 has shut down his recruitment.
Three-star defensive end Avrian (AJ) Pauley out of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile revealed his decision to 247Sports on Saturday. Pauley committed to Alabama while in Tuscaloosa for the annual A-Day event in April.
He’s a 6-foot-5, 265 pound lineman that chose the Crimson Tide over a list of finalists including Michigan, Florida State and Ole Miss. Two of those schools were pushing to get Pauley on or back on campus.
Per Brett Greenberg of 247Sports:
“Florida State was set to receive a trip the following weekend (June 5-7) and Michigan was pushing hard to get Pauley on campus the next two weeks (June 12-14, June 19-21). None of those trips took place and now Alabama will be the only program receiving visits before the Early Signing Period in December.”
Pauley is one of three defensive line prospects in Alabama’s 2027 recruiting class, along with three-star EDGE rushers Tyler Younger (Norcross, Georgia) and Jeremiah Beverly (Hillcrest High School, Tuscaloosa), both of whom committed to the Tide this past week. Rivals lists Pauley as the nation’s 69th best defensive end.
Alabama landed its fifth recruit in the past week on Saturday when four-star wide receiver Osani Gayles committed to the Tide over Washington and Stanford. The Crimson Tide now has 13 total commitments in their 2027 recruiting class.
Gayles was the ninth commitment for coach Kalen DeBoer and staff since May 31. Alabama’s 2027 class is No. 34 in Rivals’ updated Industry Football Team Recruiting Rankings. 247Sports ranks the Tide’s class No. 49.
Follow us at @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook, for ongoing coverage of Alabama Crimson Tide news, notes and opinions.
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