Alabama cornerback, former 5-star prospect enters NCAA transfer portal

One of Alabama’s more surprising transfer portal entries occurred Monday night.

The transfer portal declarations continue to roll in for the Alabama Crimson Tide, with arguably no decision more shocking so far this cycle than what in fact occurred Monday night when true freshman cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe announced his intentions to exit the program.

Mbakwe’s transfer portal decision was announced Monday night according to multiple reports, with the true freshman shortly after releasing a statement.

During his freshman season, Mbakwe was primarily a backup at cornerback for the Crimson Tide, but did however still see a notable amount of action to post a stat line of 15 tackles, one TFL, one interception, and two PD. The cornerback also played a role on special teams, returning two punts for 46 yards.

Prior to Alabama, Mbakwe was a top name in the Crimson Tide’s 2024 class, rated as a five-star cornerback out of in-state Clay-Chalkville High School.

Mbakwe’s entry into the transfer portal now brings Alabama’s total for this cycle to 15, one of which is returning to the Crimson Tide.