Alabama football transfer portal: Top RBs joining the Tide

Xenio

Jan 10, 2026

Alabama Football and the 2026 NCAA Transfer Portal

As the college football calendar transitions into 2026, the focus for many programs, including the powerhouse Alabama Crimson Tide, is on roster building. The NCAA transfer portal plays a crucial role in this process, allowing Division I players to explore new opportunities. From January 2 to January 16, a two-week window will open for players to enter the portal. Teams that compete in the CFP National Championship Game will have an additional five-day period from January 20 to 24.

Players Leaving Alabama via the Transfer Portal

Several key players have decided to take their talents elsewhere. Here are some of the notable departures:

Aeryn "Bubba" Hampton: Wide receiver
Kameron Howard: Defensive back
Roq Montgomery: Offensive lineman
Richard Young: Running back
Jaylen Mbakwe: Wide receiver (committed to Georgia Tech)
Joseph Ionata: Center
MJ Chirgwin: Wide receiver
Jalen Hale: Wide receiver
Olaus Alinen: Offensive lineman
Noah Carter: Linebacker
Peter Notaro: Kicker
Micah DeBose: Offensive lineman
Cole Adams: Wide receiver
Wilkin Formby: Offensive lineman
Keon Keeley: Defensive lineman
Cam Calhoun: Defensive back
Qua Russaw: Linebacker
David Bird: Long snapper

New Additions to the Crimson Tide

Despite the losses, Alabama has made significant additions to its roster:

Josh Ford: Tight end from Oklahoma State, with three seasons of eligibility remaining
Hollywood Smothers: Running back from NC State, with two seasons of eligibility remaining

Key Updates from the Transfer Portal

Several updates have been reported regarding the movement of players:

Hollywood Smothers committed to Alabama after a visit to Tuscaloosa on January 4. He is the second major addition for the 2026 cycle.
David Bird, the long snapper, entered the transfer portal, having missed only one game against Eastern Illinois.
Qua Russaw, a former four-star recruit, is entering the portal after recording 50 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, two sacks, and two interceptions over two seasons.
Rico Scott returned to Alabama after initially entering the portal.
Jaylen Mbakwe committed to Georgia Tech after two seasons with the Crimson Tide.
Cam Calhoun is seeking his fourth team in four years after entering the portal.
Rico Scott also entered the portal, with three seasons of eligibility remaining.
Keon Keeley, a 2023 five-star defensive lineman, announced his intention to enter the portal with two seasons left.
Wilkin Formby, an offensive lineman with over 1,000 snaps, entered the portal.
Cole Adams, a wide receiver and return specialist, announced his departure.
Micah DeBose, a former four-star recruit, entered the portal after one redshirt season.
Peter Notaro, the freshman walk-on kicker, entered the portal.
Noah Carter, a redshirt freshman linebacker, became the 10th player to enter the portal.
Olaus Alinen, an offensive guard, plans to enter the portal.
Jalen Hale, a wide receiver, entered the portal after missing most of the 2024 season due to injury.
MJ Chirgwin, a walk-on wide receiver, announced his departure.
Joseph Ionata, a backup center, entered the portal.
Jaylen Mbakwe, a former five-star cornerback, moved to wide receiver before entering the portal.
Richard Young, a running back, entered the portal after three seasons.
Roq Montgomery, an offensive lineman, announced his intentions to enter the portal.
Kameron Howard, a backup safety, was the first to announce his departure.

New Talent Joining the Tide

In addition to the above, Alabama has added Josh Ford, a tight end from Oklahoma State, who will bring his final three seasons of eligibility to the program. Ford had 13 catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns in two seasons with the Cowboys.

These moves highlight the dynamic nature of college football rosters as teams adapt and evolve each season. For fans and analysts alike, the transfer portal remains a critical factor in shaping the future of programs like Alabama's.