Alabama football experienced major roster changes this offseason following Nick Saban’s retirement in January. While the national media exaggerated the impact of these departures, hoping to declare the end of Alabama’s dominance, a few players who left would have contributed under new head coach Kalen DeBoer in 2024.
Some transfers made sense. Eli Holstein, who was buried on the depth chart behind Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and classmate Dylan Lonergan, transferred to Pittsburgh. He won the starting job and has led the Panthers to a 3-0 start, including thrilling comeback wins over Cincinnati and West Virginia.
Wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks, who broke out in 2022 but saw limited action in 2023, transferred to Louisville and quickly became their leading receiver, tallying 13 catches for 172 yards and a touchdown through two games.
Players like Isaiah Bond and Caleb Downs were so talented that their success was almost guaranteed wherever they went. Bond has thrived under Steve Sarkisian at Texas, while Downs is still waiting for his moment at Ohio State, which has yet to face tough competition.
However, many Alabama transfers have struggled. Florida State, which took five Alabama players under head coach Mike Norvell, is now 0-3 after a loss to Memphis. Defensive back Earl Little Jr. and linebacker Shawn Murphy remain in reserve roles, while running back Roydell Williams has found little success as a starter, averaging only 2.7 yards per carry. Malik Benson has matched his Alabama stats with 12 catches for 171 yards, but hasn’t made a big impact for a struggling Florida State offense. Tight end Amari Niblack, who left a starting role at Alabama, is now Texas’ third-string TE with only one catch this season.
Freshman corner Jameer Grimsley transferred to Florida but now faces the coaching instability he hoped to avoid by leaving Alabama.
Not all transfers have worked out for players, and some, like Kadyn Proctor, have even returned to Alabama after brief stints elsewhere. The transfer portal offers great opportunities, but young athletes sometimes make hasty decisions or follow poor advice. If asked, several players who left Alabama this offseason would likely admit they have regrets.
