Alabama has been bracing for the departure of its inside linebacker duo for months, however. Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson are headed for the NFL, and while Alabama has some up-and-comers at that spot, the defense in 2026 desperately needs two things: experience and speed. Alabama just found both in one signing.

Veteran playmaker Hollywood Smothers joins Alabama, injecting proven explosiveness and experience into the Crimson Tide's crucial backfield.

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jaylen Mbakwe has officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal with a myriad of powerhouse programs expected to enter the race for his services this month. Mbakwe enters the free agent market as a Top-25 wideout after a two-year stint in Tuscaloosa where he saw snaps as both a pass-catcher and defensive back.

Alabama football has lost a starter on its offensive line to the NCAA transfer portal. Wilkin Formby, who has played more than 1,000 snaps over the past two seasons for the Crimson Tide, announced that he would enter the transfer portal. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Alabama and Indiana reverse historical roles as Cignetti and Hoosiers overwhelm DeBoer and Crimson Tide in Rose Bowl

Fernando Mendoza threw three touchdown passes, Indiana’s defense thoroughly throttled Alabama, and the top-seeded Hoosiers roared into the College Football Playoff semifinals with a 38-3 victory in the 112th Rose Bowl on Thursday.

The haters told us we were in for a relative snoozefest of a first round of the College Football Playoff, and ... well, the haters were correct, honestly great

The Crimson Tide's 2025 season concluded on New Year's Day with a blowout loss to No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Alabama finished the year with an 11-4 record, and the schedule was filled with close battles and live viewership that was through the roof.