Alabama freshman cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe has entered the transfer portal, a surprising move given his prominence on the team. According to Hayes Fawcett from On3, Mbakwe announced his decision via Instagram on Monday. The departure of the standout freshman is notable, as he had earned a starting role at Alabama this season, a rare achievement for a true freshman.
Mbakwe played in 11 games during the 2023 season, recording 15 tackles, including one for loss. He also had an interception and two pass breakups, and opposing quarterbacks rarely targeted his coverage area. His impressive performance and ability to consistently shut down receivers helped solidify his status as a key player on the team.
The 5-foot-11, 192-pound cornerback is the 14th player from Alabama to enter the transfer portal this offseason. Other notable players who have entered the portal include quarterback Dylan Lonergan, running back Justice Haynes, and defensive linemen Jeheim Oatis and Hunter Osborne. A few other players in various positions, including cornerbacks Jahlil Hurley and DeVonta Smith, wide receivers Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law, and offensive linemen Miles McVay and Naquil Betrand, have also transferred.
Mbakwe was a highly sought-after recruit, rated as a 5-star prospect and ranked as the No. 2 cornerback and No. 16 player nationally in the class of 2024. He was also ranked as the No. 3 player in Alabama at the time of his commitment in July 2022. His ranking put him among the elite athletes in his class, with only a few players in the state ahead of him, including his future teammate Ryan Williams.
Before arriving at Alabama, Mbakwe and Williams were already viewed as two of the top freshman prospects in the country. They both made headlines during the 2023 season and even faced each other in the 6A state championship game in Alabama, with Mbakwe’s team emerging victorious. Their on-field performances and rivalry in high school set the stage for their impact on college football.
In addition to their football accomplishments, Mbakwe and Williams co-hosted a podcast called “New Wave.” The podcast allowed them to share their experiences as student-athletes and feature discussions with former and current Alabama football stars. Their off-field chemistry and insights into their lives added to their growing influence both on and off the field.
The transfer portal opened on Dec. 9 and will remain open until Dec. 28. Players who enter the portal during this window will have the opportunity to transfer to other programs before the start of the new year. Additionally, there will be another opportunity to transfer during the spring portal window, which runs from April 16 to April 25.
