Alabama

Breaking Down Alabama Football’s Transfer Portal Moves

Published

2 years ago

May 17, 2024

Breaking Down Alabama Football’s Transfer Portal Moves

Losing players to the transfer portal is the norm in today’s age of college athletics, but coaching changes can cause those losses to his drastic numbers as players look for new beginnings.

For Alabama, legendary head coach Nick Saban’s retirement opened the portal floodgates as player after player chose not to stick around into new head coach Kalen DeBoer’s tenure. Between the winter and spring portal windows, Alabama had 39 total scholarship and walk-on players transfer out of the program. But despite those losses, DeBoer and is newly-hired staff brought in 14 transfers to supplement the 2nd-ranked recruiting class in the country as a new crop of talent comes into Tuscaloosa.

To sum up all of the movement, below is a position-by-position breakdown going over what Alabama lost and gained via the transfer portal at each position ahead of the 2024 football season.

In – Austin Mack (Washington)

Out – Julian Sayin, Eli Holstein, Tyler Buchner

The movement in the quarterback room was to be expected. Holstein and Buchner were both backups, and with Ty Simpson deciding not to enter the portal himself, there wasn’t much room for them on the depth chart.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was the loss of 5-star early enrollee Julian Sayin, who was viewed to be the future at signal-caller in Tuscaloosa. To replace him, DeBoer brought Austin Mack with him from Washington, a 6-foot-6 redshirt freshman who has the build of an NFL quarterback. He likely won’t see the field in 2024, but he could be DeBoer’s quarterback of the future.

In – None

Out – Roydell Williams, Darien Clayborne

The only major loss from the running back room was Roydell Williams, who saw nearly equal snaps with starter Jase McClellan last season. His exit, however, means the keys to the backfield will be handed over to the young duo of Jam Miller and Justice Haynes, two former high school standouts who have the potential to be one of the best backfield duos in all of college football.

In – Germie Bernard (Washington)

Out – Isaiah Bond, Malik Benson, Ja’Corey Brooks, Shazz Preston, Thaiu Jones-Bell, Sawyer Deerman, Hayden Neighbors, Andre Craig

The pass-catching room took a few hits, most notably starters Isaiah Bond and Malik Benson moving on to different schools. Bernard is expected to be an immediate contributor, already knowing DeBoer’s offense from his two years at Washington. Alabama still has a deep room of talented wide receivers, the question will be who separates from the pack and garners the majority of the snaps.

In – Josh Cuevas (Washington)

Out – Amari Niblack, Miles Kitselman

The loss of Amari Niblack as a pass-catching tight end is unfortunate for DeBoer’s offense, especially considering his sky-high potential, but as mentinoed in the wide receivers section there isn’t a lack of talent on the perimeter of this team.

Cuevas, another transfer from Washington, caught four passes for a touchdown last season for the Huskies and will provide meaningful depth behind returning starter CJ Dippre.

In – Kadyn Proctor (Iowa), Parker Brailsford (Washington), Geno VanDeMark (Michigan State), Naquil Bertrand (Texas A&M)

Out – Kadyn Proctor, Seth McLaughlin, TJ Ferguson, James Brockermeyer

Yes, you’re reading that first name right on both lines. Kadyn Proctor transferred to Iowa during the winter transfer portal window, and after spending the spring in the midwest, decided to transfer back to the Crimson Tide. He will likely retain his starting left tackle spot, being the third returning starter along the offensive line.

Brailsford was the center at Washington last year, an offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award. He’s expected to take the starting center spot with the departures of McLaughlin, Ferguson and Brockermeyer, whom all have played center at some point.

Geno VanDeMark and Naquil Bertrand will both likely be depth pieces along the line this season, but will have the chance to start in the future as each have at least two years of eligibility left.

In – LT Overton (Texas A&M)

Out – Isaiah Hastings, Khurtiss Perry, Monkell Goodwine, Anquin Barnes

The defensive line returns a ton of talent to bolster the front seven, as the only losses are players who had yet to play meaningful snaps in their Crimson Tide career. The addition of LT Overton is a welcomed one, being a former 5-star recruit and still on the young side, with two years left of eligibility.

In – None

Out – Shawn Murphy, Kendrick Blackshire, Ian Jackson

No additions at the linebacker spot, again only a few departures from players who had yet to find their way onto the field through multiple seasons in Tuscaloosa. The depth is somewhat of a question mark, but Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell are poised to be one of the best linebacker duos in the SEC, and maybe the country.

In – Domani Jackson (USC), King Mack (Penn State), Keon Sabb (Michigan), Kameron Howard (Charlotte), DaShawn Jones (Wake Forest)

Out – Caleb Downs, Antonio Kite, Dezz Ricks, Trey Amos, Jameer Grimsley, Earl Little II, Kristian Story, Jake Pope, Peyton Woodyard, Tony Mitchell

The secondary is where the largest amount of movement took place. Ten different defensive backs transferred out, including surefire starters Caleb Downs and Trey Amos as well as other players that had a chance to compete for starting spots.

In the portal, Alabama brought in former 5-star Domani Jackson from USC, who is likely to man one of the starting corner spots. The other has a good chance of going to Wake Forest transfer DaShawn Jones. Outside of returning captain Malachi Moore, seemingly every other position on the back end is up for grabs.

Michigan transfer safety Keon Sabb is expected to make an immediate impact, while the additions of Penn State safety King Mack and Charlotte safety Kameron Howard provide excellent depth.

The loss of Downs may be the biggest loss of the entire offseason, as he’s set to be one of the best players in all of college football, but DeBoer and his staff did aa good of a job as they could filling holes in the secondary to provide a deep pool of talent to build from.

In – Graham Nicholson (Miami OH)

Out – Uptan Bellenfant, Reed Harradine, Brock O’Quinn

No significant losses to the portal on the special teams side, but one major addition. After losing kicker Will Reichard, college football’s all-time leading scorer, to the NFL Draft, Alabama brought in Miami (OH) kicker Graham Nicholson. Nicholson won the Lou Groza Award for the best kicker in college football last season, so there shouldn’t be much of a dropoff in the kicking game for the Crimson Tide this season.

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Alabama

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

Published

6 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

SELMA, Ala. (WSFA) – After more than a decade serving Alabama’s fourth judicial circuit, Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. is stepping away from full-time service, closing a chapter that spans nearly four decades in the legal profession.

Pettaway was elected to the bench in 2012 and served in several counties including Dallas, Wilcox, Perry, Hale and Bibb counties, the largest geographical circuit in the state.

Now, he says, it was simply time.

“I never wanted to serve in that capacity forever,” Pettaway said “And plus, I wanted to also make room for some younger, brighter minds to come forward.”

Before becoming a judge, Pettaway practiced law in Selma for nearly 30 years after being licensed in 1985. During that time, he handled cases that helped shape Alabama law; something he says he didn’t fully appreciate until colleagues reflected on his impact.

“I handled several cases which actually affected and changed the direction of the state of the law in our state,” he added. “And I didn’t realize I did all that.”

Friends and fellow legal professionals once presented him with research showing his involvement in Alabama Supreme Court cases that made significant changes in state law; a moment he describes as both surprising and humbling.

During his time on the bench, Pettaway says one of his priorities was maintaining professionalism and respect within the legal system.

He often referenced the Alabama State Bar’s Lawyer’s Creed — a pledge attorneys take promising to treat even their opponents with civility and understanding.

“In that creed, you are promising that you’re gonna treat even your opponents with civility and with kindness and understanding.”

Pettaway says he believes the legal profession — and society at large — must continue working toward a culture rooted in respect and service.

Although stepping away from full-time duties, Pettaway says he is not completely leaving the legal field. He has transitioned to retired active status and plans to assist with cases when needed, while also returning to private practice.

He says this new chapter is about balance.

After decades shaping courtrooms across five counties, Pettaway says he is focused on health, perspective and trusting the next generation to carry the bench forward.

Governor Kay Ivey has appointed former Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones to serve the remainder of Pettaway’s six-year term.

Jones previously served as senior chief trial attorney under District Attorney Robert Turner Jr. and has also led the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.

The transition marks a new era for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, while closing a significant chapter in its recent history.

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Alabama

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

Published

18 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine nears its conclusion, the Detroit Lions continue to work to identify potential fits for the franchise.

The Lions own pick No. 17 in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Though Taylor Decker recently announced his return for the 2026 season, Detroit could still be thinking offensive line in the draft’s opening round.

If the Lions opt to fortify their offensive line, one name to watch for Detroit is Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. A Lions scout pulled Proctor aside to talk at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January.

Now, Proctor confirmed to Crunch Time Sports that he met with the Lions at the NFL combine.

Proctor started 40 games across his Crimson Tide career, missing just the first two games of the 2024 season with injury.

The 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman was Alabama’s highest-graded player last season with an overall offensive grade of 85.9, per Pro Football Focus. Proctor had a pass-blocking grade of 84.2, a run blocking grade of 81.1 and allowed just two sacks during the 2025 college football season.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions

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Alabama

Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

Alabama lawmakers are weighing in with their opinion after Donald Trump announced that the United States conducted a military strike on Iran overnight.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey responded to a video from the White House X account announcing that we’ve taken military action.

“Strong leadership requires hard decisions,” Ivey posted to X. “This is exactly how we will achieve peace through strength. As @POTUS said, our Armed Forces WILL prevail. May God continue to bless the brave men and women in our military! And may God bless President Trump and our great country.”

Congressman Robert Aderholt said in his own statement that he stands with Trump’s decision. The statement released earlier today, Saturday, Feb. 8, encouraged Trump for taking military action.

“For five decades, Iran has openly called for ‘death to America,’” Aderholt wrote. “I remember clearly when they orchestrated the deaths of 241 U.S. Marines in Beirut in 1983. In the years since, the regime has continued pursuing nuclear capabilities that threaten the United States and our allies. I stand with President Trump has he leads these strikes. May God bless the members of our armed forces carrying out these operations”

In addition to being the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Aderholt is also a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall echoed similar sentiment to Aderholt. He cites the same quote.

“For 47 years the vicious Iranian regime has chanted ‘death to America,’” Marshall wrote. “It’s time for swift and decisive action. May God bless the men and women of the Armed Forces. May God bless America.”

Senator Katie Boyd Britt says she echoes Trump’s message from earlier this morning.

“Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism,” Britt said on X. “For 47 years, this murderous regime has operated a terror network that has brought death and destruction to the world and slaughtered innocent Americans. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile capabilities, and funding of proxy terror groups pose a sustained and clear threat to our nation, to our military bases and citizens in the region, and to our allies. This is a defining moment of generational leadership from President Trump to achieve sustainable peace. We are praying for the safety of our men and women in uniform and I echo @POTUS’s message this morning: God bless and protect all of our heroes in harm’s way executing this mission.”

Coach and Senator Tommy Tubberville tweeted, “President Trump has shown time and time again, you NEVER threaten America. God bless our great troops, god bless President Trump, and God bless America.”

U.S. Representative for 1st Congressional District of Alabama Barry Moore responded in a Facebook post.

“May God bless our men and women in uniform,” Moore posted. “Please join me in praying for strength, wisdom, and safety for President Donald J. Trump and all of those keeping our nation safe.”

United States Congresswoman Terri Sewell representing Alabama’s 7th District offered one of the few dissenting opinions from local lawmakers and politicians. Although she acknowledges Iran’s history, Sewell expresses her concern for the lives of U.S. citizens now that peace talks have been abandoned.

“Iran has oppressed their people and supported terrorism in the region for decades,” Sewell said in an official statement. “This fact does not change the President’s obligation under the Constitution to work with Congress on military actions that put our troops in harm’s way and could drag our country into another prolonged war in the Middle East.”

Sewell goes on to say that she’ll work with Congress to arrange a vote on a war powers resolution.

“I am also calling on the Administration to immediately provide a briefing on this ongoing military action, including their justification for abandoning diplomatic talks, as as their strategy for avoiding an extended regional conflict that is not supported by the American people,” Sewell continued. “I am praying for all the service members in the region and their families.”

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