Alabama Football 2025 Spring Transfer Portal Recap: Complete List of Additions, Departures

As the college football landscape continues to evolve under the influence of the NCAA transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, roster turnover has become an expected part of every offseason. For the Alabama Crimson Tide, the 2025 spring transfer portal window was a critical period as new head coach Kalen DeBoer worked to reshape the roster in his image following the retirement of the legendary Nick Saban.

This spring saw the Tide both gain key additions and experience notable departures. With a blend of veterans searching for new opportunities and young talent seeking more playing time, the portal has once again played a pivotal role in Alabama’s pursuit of championship contention.

In this comprehensive breakdown, we’ll take a deep dive into Alabama’s 2025 spring transfer portal activity — listing every addition and departure, analyzing how these moves affect the team’s depth chart, and projecting how the new roster might shape up heading into the fall.

Coaching Context: DeBoer’s First Spring Transfer Cycle

Before we dive into the transfer movement itself, it’s important to understand the context behind Alabama’s portal activity. Kalen DeBoer, who took over after Nick Saban’s retirement in January 2024, inherited a loaded roster but also one filled with players loyal to the previous regime. Some natural attrition was expected, but DeBoer has emphasized continuity and culture building, stating in spring interviews that “the portal is about finding the right fit — not just talent.”

That strategy led to a selective but aggressive approach in targeting positions of need, especially at wide receiver, defensive back, and offensive line.

Spring Transfer Portal Additions

Alabama secured six key additions during the 2025 spring portal window. Each player was brought in to fill a specific need or to bolster depth. Here’s a breakdown of the new faces in Tuscaloosa:

1. Javon Baker – WR, UCF

• Class: Graduate Transfer

• 2024 Stats: 61 receptions, 943 yards, 9 TDs

• Analysis: Baker returns to Tuscaloosa after beginning his career with the Tide in 2020-21. He shined at UCF and has developed into a physical, dependable receiver. His leadership and familiarity with Alabama’s culture make him an immediate contributor and locker room asset.

2. Tyler Booker – OL, Miami

• Class: Junior

• 2024 Stats: 12 starts at left guard

• Analysis: A former Alabama player who transferred out, Booker has returned after a season with the Hurricanes. He brings toughness and experience to a unit that needed depth following several NFL departures. Expect Booker to compete for a starting guard spot.

3. DJ Wingo – CB, Missouri

• Class: Sophomore

• 2024 Stats: 28 tackles, 2 INTs, 5 pass breakups

• Analysis: Wingo fills a major need at cornerback with Alabama losing multiple DBs to the draft. He’s long, rangy, and possesses SEC experience. He’s expected to start or see significant rotational action.

4. Logan Smothers – QB, UAB

• Class: Senior

• 2024 Stats: 2,112 passing yards, 17 TDs, 6 INTs; 420 rushing yards, 5 TDs

• Analysis: While Jalen Milroe is the unquestioned starter, Smothers adds experienced depth and a dual-threat capability similar to Milroe. A reliable No. 2 option if injuries arise.

5. James Madison – EDGE, Kent State

• Class: Junior

• 2024 Stats: 8 sacks, 12.5 TFLs

• Analysis: Madison was one of the MAC’s most disruptive defenders. Alabama has had success turning Group of Five standouts into productive role players, and Madison’s athleticism gives him a shot to contribute on third downs.

6. Aarion Carter – LB, Tennessee

• Class: Sophomore

• 2024 Stats: 72 tackles, 2 sacks

• Analysis: A surprise flip from Tennessee, Carter was once a major Alabama target in recruiting. His return to Tuscaloosa gives the Tide another fast, physical linebacker to bolster the middle of their defense.

Spring Departures: Who’s Leaving Tuscaloosa

With every addition comes the loss of players looking for new opportunities. Alabama saw ten players officially enter the portal this spring. Some were buried on the depth chart, while others were surprise exits.

1. Isaiah Bond – WR → Texas

• 2024 Stats: 45 receptions, 672 yards, 5 TDs

• Analysis: Bond’s departure to Texas was a major blow. He was projected to be Alabama’s WR1 in 2025. Sources indicate NIL opportunities played a significant role in his decision.

2. Terrion Arnold – CB → Ohio State

• 2024 Stats: 3 INTs, 8 pass breakups

• Analysis: Arnold’s departure came after spring practice. While many expected him to declare for the NFL, he opted for one more year of college ball — just not in Tuscaloosa. The move to Ohio State hurts Alabama’s secondary depth significantly.

3. Ty Simpson – QB → Vanderbilt

• 2024 Stats: 398 passing yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs

• Analysis: Simpson was a former five-star QB who never found his footing in Tuscaloosa. He’ll get a fresh start and a likely starting role at Vanderbilt.

4. Jamarion Miller – RB → TCU

• 2024 Stats: 420 rushing yards, 4 TDs

• Analysis: Miller was stuck behind Justice Haynes and Jam Miller in the running back rotation. With a logjam in the backfield, his move to the Big 12 makes sense.

5. Amari Niblack – TE → Florida

• 2024 Stats: 21 receptions, 305 yards, 4 TDs

• Analysis: A versatile pass-catching tight end, Niblack’s exit to Florida is a blow to the Tide’s two-tight end sets. However, DeBoer has not relied heavily on TEs in his past offenses.

6. Kobe Prentice – WR → Louisville

• 2024 Stats: 33 receptions, 410 yards, 3 TDs

• Analysis: Prentice’s move continues the exodus of Alabama wide receivers. The coaching change likely factored into his decision, as he had built rapport with former OC Tommy Rees.

7. Dezz Ricks – CB → Florida State

• 2024 Stats: 6 tackles, limited action

• Analysis: Ricks was a highly-touted recruit who never broke into the rotation. A fresh start in Tallahassee may help him regain confidence.

8. Elijah Pritchett – OL → Ole Miss

• 2024 Stats: 6 starts at right tackle

• Analysis: Pritchett’s transfer thins out the OL depth, though Booker’s arrival helps offset the loss. Pritchett will likely start in Oxford.

9. Shazz Preston – WR → Tulane

• 2024 Stats: 8 receptions, 115 yards

• Analysis: Preston was buried on the depth chart. The Louisiana native returns home in hopes of making an impact closer to family.

10. Jake Pope – S → Georgia Tech

• 2024 Stats: Special teams contributor

• Analysis: A depth loss, but not a major one. Pope had limited defensive snaps and moves to the ACC for more playing time.

Net Impact: Did Alabama Win the Portal?

Overall, Alabama lost more players numerically than it added. However, quality-wise, the additions could be more impactful in the short term. Losing players like Bond, Arnold, and Simpson hurts, but several of these losses were mitigated with experienced replacements or natural roster turnover.

Kalen DeBoer’s staff emphasized culture fits and players who could contribute immediately — and in that respect, Alabama’s incoming transfers offer promise.

Key Position Battles Shaped by the Portal

Quarterback:

• In: Logan Smothers (UAB)

• Out: Ty Simpson (Vanderbilt)

• Analysis: Jalen Milroe remains the starter. Smothers adds experience behind him. The true battle may be for the No. 2 spot with redshirt freshman Dylan Lonergan also in the mix.

Wide Receiver:

• In: Javon Baker

• Out: Isaiah Bond, Kobe Prentice, Shazz Preston

• Analysis: This is the area of biggest concern. Bond and Prentice were established contributors. Baker’s return helps, but Alabama needs young receivers like Jalen Hale and Ryan Williams (true freshman) to step up.

Cornerback:

• In: DJ Wingo

• Out: Terrion Arnold, Dezz Ricks

• Analysis: Wingo softens the blow, but the Tide are thin here. Freshmen and sophomores will need to grow up quickly.

Offensive Line:

• In: Tyler Booker

• Out: Elijah Pritchett

• Analysis: Essentially a one-for-one trade. Booker is the more experienced and consistent of the two.

Recruiting Impact and the Bigger Picture

It’s important to note that the transfer portal is just one part of Alabama’s 2025 roster overhaul. The Tide brought in the No. 3 ranked recruiting class in the country, including blue-chip talents like:

• Julian Lewis, QB (GA) – Reclassified from 2026, five-star phenom

• Ryan Williams, WR (AL) – Electric playmaker and early enrollee

• Zabien Brown, CB (CA) – Likely to see early playing time with secondary departures

DeBoer’s ability to combine high school recruiting with smart portal strategy will define his early tenure. So far, he’s walking the tightrope effectively.

The 2025 spring transfer portal period was a test for Kalen DeBoer and his new-look Alabama staff — and while it brought some growing pains and high-profile exits, the Tide appear to be navigating the waters with purpose and poise. With the right mix of additions and returning talent, Alabama remains a strong playoff contender.

The full impact of these roster changes won’t be known until fall camp and the early weeks of the 2025 season, but if early signs are any indication, the DeBoer era in Tuscaloosa is off to a resilient start.