Alabama football fans were initially disappointed by the quiet start to the Transfer Portal season, with several departures and no early additions. However, this was expected, as the Crimson Tide needed to lose players to address scholarship limitations.
Momentum began to shift earlier in the week with the commitments of Florida defensive lineman Kelby Collins and Utah cornerback Cameron Calhoun. Alabama added two more key transfers, with a third potentially on the way before the dead period starts.
The first announcement came from Texas A&M offensive lineman, who committed to Alabama with one year of eligibility remaining. Dewberry, a veteran with 32 games and eight starts during his three seasons in College Station, brings experience to the Tide’s offensive line. He is expected to compete for the starting left guard spot, assuming Tyler Booker enters the NFL Draft.
The second addition was a major one for Alabama’s wide receiver room. With four receivers—Kendrick Law (Kentucky), Caleb Odom (Ole Miss), Kobe Prentice (Baylor), and Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (uncommitted)—leaving via the portal, Alabama sought to bolster its depth and secure a reliable No. 3 option alongside Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard. After considering NC State’s Kevin Concepcion, Alabama landed Miami transfer Isaiah Horton.
Horton, who had been visiting Tuscaloosa, canceled a planned trip to Texas A&M and committed to Alabama on Saturday. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound receiver brings a physical presence to the WR corps. At Miami, Horton ranked second in receptions (56) and third in yards (616) while adding five touchdown catches. His size complements Williams and Bernard’s skill sets.
With Jalen Hale and Cole Adams returning from injury and young talents like Rico Scott, Jaren Hamilton, and Bubba Hampton joining signees Derek Meadows and Lotzeir Brooks from the 2025 class, Alabama is likely done adding receivers via the portal. There’s also a chance that freshman Jaylen Mbakwe could get snaps at receiver or transition from cornerback entirely. JaMarcus Shephard will oversee a highly talented WR room in 2025.
Additionally, Alabama is pursuing Colorado linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green, a 2024 All-Big 12 First Team selection, and could receive more good news before the weekend ends.
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