Alabama’s mass exodus on defense continues after Crimson Tide loses expected 2026 starter to transfer portal
One of the biggest losses yet for the Crimson Tide.
The Alabama Crimson Tide finally landed a major upgrade in the transfer portal on Monday. One of the best prospects in the portal, running back Hollywood Smothers, has committed to the Crimson Tide for 2026.
Behind the scenes, however, Alabama will have to pivot its offensive revival and start addressing the defense. Not only will the Tide’s secondary look very different when accounting for NFL Draft departures, but the EDGE and DL positions have been hit hard. Surprise portaling from Keon Keeley and Qua Russaw was just one-upped by a departure that solidifies a whole new group up front in 2026.
James Smith enters transfer portal
The loss of Smith, along with both LT Overton and Tim Keenan to the NFL, means the entire three-man front will be different for the Crimson Tide. Then you have the bandit and wolf positions, where the only returning factor from 2025 will be Yhonzae Pierre.
That’s before we get to the second level, where Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson are also headed to the league. Behind them, CB Domani Jackson has already declared and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Keon Sabb and Bray Hubbard follow in the coming days.
The bottom line is that the Crimson Tide defense will feature almost entirely new starters, except at the cornerback position. For more on Smith’s departure, here is an analysis from Josh Taylor, a contributor for A to Z Sports Alabama.
“It felt like James Smith would be next once his fellow Carver High School mate Qua Russaw entered the transfer portal, and that’s unfortunately what happened. This means Alabama will now have a completely new starting defensive line next season with Tim Keenan III and LT Overton out of eligibility, and headed to the NFL Draft, and others leaving the program.”
“Alabama has only been linked to a few names on the defensive line in Devan Thompkins, Wendell Gregory, and recently Malik Blocton. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to hear one of those names commit soon with all the recent movement and visits that have been lined up.” – Taylor
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