Alabama Crimson Tide’s answer to the sudden departure of a recent portal commit could lead to a reunion that few saw coming
A return few saw coming could be in the cards for Alabama after Hollywood Smother’s departure.
The Alabama Crimson Tide has struck out twice on the big-time weapons in the transfer portal. After being in the running for Cam Coleman before he ever entered the portal, the former Auburn Tiger visited with the Crimson Tide. Still, he decided to commit to the Texas Longhorns instead.
It wasn’t for long, but the Tide had their big time splash at the running back position when Hollywood Smothers committed to Alabama. But, not even minutes after the Coleman decision, Smothers jumped ship and joined him at Texas. Which leaves Alabama searching for another back. There just so happens to be in the portal someone who used to play for the Crimson Tide.
Alabama could be in the running for a Justice Haynes reunion
There was a thought that Haynes would declare for the NFL Draft following a true junior season that saw him record career highs in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. NIL and the portal have thrown a wrench in many draft plans; however, it’s now more lucrative to stay an extra year in college than to be selected in the middle rounds.
The hot spot for Haynes has been Georgia Tech, which is reportedly willing to pay Haynes north of $2 million for the 2026 season. Would Alabama be willing to pay that? Or will they even be interested? I asked A to Z Sports Alabama contributor Josh Taylor.
“Alabama’s 2026 season could fall into the hands of a familiar face coming back to the Crimson Tide. Haynes leaving Michigan was a huge surprise after the season he had, and there’s no doubt he would be the lead back at Alabama if he returned. Losing Smothers stings, and there’s no way to sugarcoat that.
“The one way Alabama can recover from the loss is by swinging heavy for Haynes to return, and it will have to open up the checkbook like Texas did for Smothers and Coleman. Ezavier Crowell will be a day one starter next season, but having Haynes as the experienced back in a duo with Crowell would be the best-case scenario for Alabama after it lost Smothers.”
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