Alabama Loses Former 5-Star Recruit to College Football Transfer Portal
The No. 9 seed Alabama Crimson Tide lost to the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers 38-3 in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. That officially ended their 2025 season and chances of winning a national championship.
However, it meant that head coach Kalen DeBoer could shift his focus to the offseason. One of the areas of focus is the transfer portal, which opened on Friday and runs through Jan. 16. Last offseason, the Crimson Tide brought in 11 players .
Despite being one of college football 's premier programs, Alabama isn't immune to the negative effects of the portal. They've already lost five players , with yet another coming on Friday.
On3's Hayes Fawcett reported that Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Mbakwe will be entering the transfer portal.
This past season, Mbakwe appeared in 10 games, hauling in three receptions for 55 yards and zero touchdowns. He also returned one punt, losing five yards.
The sophomore switched positions after spending the 2024 season as a defensive back, recording 15 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception and two pass deflections.
Coming out of high school in the 2024 cycle, Mbakwe was a five-star recruit, the No. 2 cornerback and the No. 16 player in the nation, per Rivals Industry Rankings . He chose Alabama over the Oklahoma Sooners , Auburn Tigers, Florida State Seminoles and Ole Miss Rebels.
His decision is somewhat of a surprise. In a video posted by Austin Duncan to X on Dec. 20, the wide receiver said he is "definitely not" entering the portal.
As a true sophomore, Mbakwe will have two more years of eligibility for whichever program he chooses.
Related: Michigan, Kyle Whittingham Lose WR to College Football Transfer Portal
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
