The first phase of good news for the Alabama Crimson Tide is happening. While indications are the two best Alabama offensive linemen will move to the NFL, there are eight other (and counting) offensive linemen who not return for the 2026 season. Three are out of eligibility: Jaeden Roberts, Kam Dewberry, and Geno Van DeMark. Five more are portal entries: Micah DeBose, Joe Ionata, Olaus Alinen, Roq Montgomery, and Wilkin Formby.

Why is the attrition good news? There are two reasons. Kalen DeBoer’s offensive lines have needed skill sets in short supply the last two seasons. His offense needs agile, quick-footed offensive linemen. Not many Alabama football fans will disagree, but for those who do, when two late-season games (Georgia and Indiana) are lost by a combined 56 points, a major overhaul is required.

For an offensive line overhaul, the Crimson Tide needed to free up roster slots, to improve talent, and reallocate money. The count of returning offensive linemen (as of late afternoon on Jan. 4) is six: Mike Carroll, Casey Poe, Jackson Lloyd, Mal Waldrep, Red Sanders, and Arkel Anugwon. In addition, the 2026 class added five more: Tyrell Miller (JUCO), Jared Doughty, Chris Booker, Bear Fretwell, and Bryson Cooley

Next for the Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama could get lucky and have Parker Brailsford decide to play another season of college ball. Assuming that luck will not occur, three or four offensive linemen need to be added through the Portal. At least two of them need to be tabbed as near-locks to start in next fall’s season opener.

So far, the only target known publicly is Texas State center, Brock Riker. New targets are expected to surface soon, some of whom may not be in the portal yet. According to Yahoo Sports, Riker has been targeted by at least nine Power Four programs, with more offers expected soon.

The large number of transfer exits may be an indication that offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic will also move on. Many Alabama football fans are looking forward to DeBoer bringing in a new OL coach.

According to a report from ESPN’s Max Olson, Alabama Crimson Tide outside linebacker Noah Carter is set to enter the NCAA transfer portal following two seasons in Tuscaloosa.

Carter is the first Alabama outside linebacker to enter the transfer portal so far this cycle.

The outside linebacker originally came to Alabama as a member of the Crimson Tide’s 2024 class, and was one of the first big commitments of the Kalen DeBoer era. Then, Carter was rated as the nation’s No. 109 overall prospect, as well as No. 9 edge rusher nationally, out of Centennial High School in Arizona, per the 247Sports Composite rankings.

During his two seasons at Alabama, Carter posted a combined 11 tackles and 0.5 TFL across 14 games played. The outside linebacker appeared in 11 games this past season, posting nine tackles and 0.5 TFL.

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In the aftermath of Alabama’s embarrassing Rose Bowl loss, one of the loudest and most important conversations surrounding the program isn’t just about the offensive line, the play-calling, or the defensive breakdowns. It’s about Ty Simpson, and what comes next for him.

Tom Loy of 247Sports recently added serious fuel to that conversation when he said:

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“If Ty Simpson gets a first-round grade, he’s gone to the NFL. If not, keep an eye on Tennessee and Oregon.”

That’s a big deal. And it’s a conversation worth having.

At this point, there are three realistic paths in front of Simpson: return to Alabama, enter the NFL Draft, or transfer. After the Rose Bowl performance and the questions it raised, nothing feels guaranteed anymore.

The idea of Simpson potentially leaving Alabama is shocking, especially the Oregon part. Tennessee makes some sense. They’ve built a reputation for developing quarterbacks, playing fast, and creating offensive systems that highlight strengths. But Oregon? That hits different. Tennessee is home. Well, at least for Ty. After all, he’s from Martin, Tennessee. And he actually almost chose to go to play for the Volunteers before committing to the Crimson Tide.

The Vols have familiarity, comfort, and a system that could give Simpson the keys immediately.

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That alone makes the possibility unsettling for Alabama fans.

Still, before anyone panics, it’s important to zoom out and look at the bigger picture.

Ty Simpson finished the season completing 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Statistically, that’s a strong season. It shows efficiency, decision-making, and growth, even amidst inconsistency. But the Rose Bowl exposed something numbers don’t always tell, the need for experience, command, and comfort under pressure.

That’s where an interesting comparison comes into play: Jalen Hurts.

Like Simpson, Hurts once faced uncertainty at Alabama.

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Like Simpson, he had to make a decision about his future when the situation wasn’t crystal clear.

Hurts chose to leave with the blessing of Nick Saban, transferred to Oklahoma, and had a phenomenal season. That single year of experience, tape, and confidence skyrocketed his draft stock and reshaped his NFL future.

Maybe, just maybe, that same path could exist for Ty Simpson.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Alabama has already lost him.

In fact, one could argue the best thing for Simpson might be another year as a starter, whether that’s in Tuscaloosa or elsewhere.

Quarterbacks don’t just need talent; they need reps, adversity, and film that shows growth. One more season of full command, especially behind a stronger offensive line and a more stable system, could change everything.

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As for the NFL, the message from Tom Loy is clear: if Simpson hears “first-round,” he’s gone.

And he should be.

You don’t pass up that opportunity.

But if the grade comes back lower, returning, or transferring, becomes a smart business decision, not an emotional one.

Right now, nothing is decided.

But the fact that Tennessee and Oregon are even being mentioned tells you how real this situation is. The transfer portal has changed the game of college football, and now, and players like Ty Simpson now have leverage, options, and choices.

The Ty Simpson conversation isn’t just about one quarterback.

It’s about where Alabama football is headed, and how quickly things can change.