Alabama player makes head-scratching decision to enter the transfer portal despite a clear path towards starting job in 2026
A key depth piece on Alabama’s defense just made a questionable decision.
No position grouping has experienced asmuch turnover as the Alabama Crimson Tide’s front seven since the Rose Bowl. Whether it was NFL Draft declarations from players like Deontae Lawson, Tim Keenan, and LT Overton, or the surprise transfers of Keon Keeley and Qua Russaw, the heart of Alabama’s defense will look very different in 2026.
So, there was a key depth piece who suddenly had a clear path towards more playing time, and potentially even a starting job in 2026, but that’s no longer the case.
Jordan Renaud enters transfer portal
The Bandit position is a version of an EDGE player in Kane Wommack’s system, and it was the same position that players like LT Overton and Keon Keeley played in 2025. With both out of the picture, 2026 was an opportunity for the ultra-athletic Renaud to showcase his abilities.
Instead, he’ll depart the program after recording 16 total tackles last season. For more on the move, here is A to Z Sports Alabama contributor Josh Taylor.
“Losing Renaud is surprising, even with the lack of production. He was the last of the top-three Bandits left on the team with Overton and Keeley, both gone, so he had a path to being the guy, finally. This tells me that someone else who just transferred in is likely to take his spot, and my guess would be Devan Thompkins.
“Unless they have their sights on another target that is still in the transfer portal looking for a new home, which wouldn’t surprise me either. It’s still a rather thin position, so adding at least one more body would help fill out the roster with valuable rotation as well.”
Alabama Crimson Tide News
Alabama lands surprise re-signing that the Crimson Tide’s defense will desperately need in 2026
A big-time return from one of Alabama’s most productive starters.
