The 2026 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most fluid in recent memory as a wave of alumni from the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide prepare to debut for new programs.
The Transfer Wave
Quarterback Julian Sayin will start for Ohio State, while Eli Holstein and Dylan Lonergan have each committed to Virginia and Rutgers respectively, seeking playing time after competing for snaps in Tuscaloosa.
Running backs Justice Haynes and Richard Young have both landed at Georgia Tech and Colorado, bringing their rushing talents to programs that hope to capitalize on their proven skill sets.
Wide receivers Isaiah Horton, Cole Adams and Shazz Preston have each chosen new homes at Texas A&M, Vanderbilt and Indiana, respectively, after leading Alabama’s receiving corps in the previous season.
Tight ends Caleb Odom and Elijah Brown are set to join Ole Miss and Kentucky, adding depth at the top of the depth chart for the Rebels and Wildcats.
Line and Edge
Along the line, Wilkin Formby heads to Texas A&M, Miles McVay to Mississippi State and Olaus Alinen to Kentucky, while defensive linemen James Smith, Keon Keeley and Qua Russaw are slated to make noise at Ohio State and Notre Dame.
Linebackers Jordan Renaud, Noah Carter and the duo of Justin Okoronkwo with Shawn Murphy will wear South Carolina gear, aiming to contribute immediately on defense.
In the secondary, cornerbacks Dezz Ricks and Earl Little Jr. will both play for Texas A&M and Ohio State, while safeties King Mack and Kameron Howard have opted for NC State and Boston College.
The movement of these players has drawn national attention, particularly the high‑profile switch of James Smith to Ohio State, a move that underscores the growing appeal of the Big Ten for former SEC talent.
Coaches and analysts alike are watching how these transfers will reshape the competitive balance in the upcoming season, as former Crimson Tide contributors spread across the country.