Alabama Transfer Portal Losses: 3 impact players.

The Alabama Crimson Tide had a challenging season in 2024, failing to make the College Football Playoff under the leadership of new head coach Kalen DeBoer. As a result, the team faced a number of changes, including some significant departures via the NCAA Transfer Portal. Among those transferring are key players who had been integral to the team’s success, and their departures could significantly affect the future of the program.

One of the most notable losses for Alabama is sophomore running back Justice Haynes, who entered the transfer portal and committed to the Michigan Wolverines. Haynes had been a standout offensive weapon for the Crimson Tide, rushing 79 times for 448 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. He also scored seven touchdowns on the ground and added 17 receptions for 99 yards. Despite his strong performance, Haynes decided to leave after two seasons, leaving Alabama with a gap in their backfield.

Another impactful loss is wide receiver Caleb Odom, who has transferred to Ole Miss. Odom, a freshman, had shown potential for the 2025 season but was limited to only four games in 2024. He recorded seven receptions for 65 yards, averaging 9.3 yards per catch. His departure leaves Alabama without one of its promising young wide receivers, making the team’s future receiving corps uncertain. It will be interesting to see how Odom develops with Ole Miss and whether his absence will prove to be a significant blow to Alabama’s offense in the coming years.

A third key transfer for Alabama is defensive lineman Jeheim Oatis, who entered the portal and ultimately transferred to the Colorado Buffaloes in December 2024. Oatis, a 6-foot-5, 320-pound junior, had been a key figure on Alabama’s defensive line, starting 13 games over his first two seasons with the team. However, his 2024 season was cut short as he played in only four games and recorded just two tackles, along with a pass deflection. Oatis’ departure to Colorado is a major loss for Alabama’s defense, especially given his size and experience.

The loss of these three players—Haynes, Odom, and Oatis—represents a significant shift in the makeup of the Alabama roster. Each of them had contributed meaningfully during their time with the team, and their departures could have long-term implications for the Crimson Tide’s success. The transfer portal is becoming an increasingly important factor in college football, and Alabama is not immune to its effects.

For head coach Kalen DeBoer, replacing these key players will be one of his most pressing challenges as he looks to rebuild and strengthen the roster. While the team has a history of recruiting talent, the loss of these players may impact the program’s ability to compete at the highest level in the immediate future. DeBoer will need to find new leaders and contributors to fill the void left by these departures.

As Alabama moves forward, it remains to be seen how the team will adapt to these losses. The Crimson Tide are known for their ability to reload with talent, and DeBoer will have the opportunity to develop new players who can step up and make an impact. However, the departure of three such significant players, especially from key positions like running back, wide receiver, and defensive line, will undoubtedly make the task more difficult.

In conclusion, the transfer portal has claimed three key players from the Alabama Crimson Tide, each of whom had the potential to shape the program’s future. Justice Haynes, Caleb Odom, and Jeheim Oatis were all important contributors, and their departures leave gaps that DeBoer will need to address. The changes in the roster could define the trajectory of Alabama’s program in the coming years, and how the team responds will be crucial to their continued success.