The Alabama football team will look a little different on both sides of the ball next season. Several starters from the 2024 season either transferred or turned pro. Some of the more impactful players that departed the program are Jalen Milroe, Malachi Moore, Tyler Booker, Jihaad Campbell, Que Robinson, and DeVonta Smith.
Thus far, Alabama has brought in seven transfers this offseason. It is a diverse list up to this point that could see some more additions following spring ball. For now, it is time to focus on the transfers that are enrolled and preparing to practice with the Crimson Tide in the spring. Today, I will provide a breakdown of each of the transfers and what they add to the roster for the 2025 season.
WR Isaiah Horton
2024 Stats: 56 receptions, 616 yards, 5 TDs
One of the more proven transfers that Alabama has landed this offseason is Miami transfer Isaiah Horton. The Tennessee native finished second in receptions for the Hurricanes. He was a reliable target for Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward. Horton has elite size at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds. Alabama will definitely utilize Horton’s size in the redzone. There is no question that he will be the most physically imposing wide receiver on Alabama’s roster. I fully anticipate him being a vital part of Alabama’s receiving core in 2025.
IOL Kam Dewberry
One of the more experienced transfers that Alabama brought in is Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry. The Texas native spent three seasons in College Station. He made seven starts and played in 32 games for the Aggies. With starting left guard Tyler Booker heading to the NFL, Alabama will need to find his replacement. Dewberry makes a strong case to replace Booker given his experience and physical presence. He is 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds. With his experience as a starter in the SEC, it could give him the upper hand over other competitors at the position.
LB Nikhai Hill-Green
2024 Stats: 82 tackles, 4 pass deflections, 2 sacks, 2 INTs
Alabama will have a nice core of linebackers headlined by fifth-year senior Justin Jefferson and redshirt senior Deontae Lawson. The duo will be joined by veteran linebacker and Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill-Green. The Maryland native can push both of them for playing time in 2025. He has starting experience at his previous two stops — Charlotte and Colorado. Not to mention, he was a key reserve at Michigan. Hill-Green is a physical specimen at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds. I would be surprised if Hill-Green does not see significant playing time at either MIKE linebacker or STING linebacker for the Crimson Tide in his final college season.
CB Cameron Calhoun
2024 Stats: 21 tackles, 9 pass deflections, 1 INT
Another player that suited up for Michigan and chose to transfer elsewhere is Cameron Calhoun. The Ohio native transferred to Utah following the conclusion of the 2023 season. He was a part of the Wolverines championship run, but he played in just two games. He led the Utes in 2024 with nine pass deflections and headlined their secondary. Calhoun will provide valuable depth and experience in Alabama’s secondary next season. He will have an opportunity to play multiple positions in Alabama’s defense next season.
OT Arkel Anugwom
One of the transfers that is captivating is Ball State transfer Arkel Anugwom. The Nigerian native has played football for just a couple of years. He is still growing and developing as an offensive lineman. One thing that cannot be taught is Anugwom’s size. He is listed at 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds. In two seasons with the Cardinals, he played in just 100 snaps and made one start. In all likelihood, Anugwom will serve as a backup offensive tackle for the Crimson Tide during the 2025 season. He is more of an experimental option than anything for Alabama. It will be interesting to see how Alabama decides to use Anugwom next season.
RB Dre’lyn Washington
2024 Stats: 73 carries, 478 yards, 5 TDs, 6 receptions, 107 yards, 1 TD
With sophomore Justice Haynes transferring from Alabama, the coaching staff made the decision to bring in a transfer. After exploring multiple options, the Crimson Tide decided to bring in Louisiana transfer Dre’lyn Washington. The Texas native has had no less than 64 carries in each of his last three seasons with the Ragin’ Cajuns. He averaged almost six yards per carry during his time in Lafayette. Alabama’s top two options at running back will likely be senior Jam Miller and redshirt sophomore Richard Young. With Washington being a bigger-bodied back, he has the potential to see more snaps at the goal line. His role will be one worth following during the spring and leading up to the start of the 2025 season.
DL Kelby Collins
2024 Stats: 6 tackles
After missing out on Kelby Collins coming out of high school, defensive line coach Freddie Roach and the Crimson Tide made it a priority to land him out of the transfer portal. That is exactly what the coaching staff was able to do. Collins played in 18 games for the Gators in two seasons recording 29 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. The Alabama native will return to his home state with hopes of providing depth and experience to Alabama’s defensive front. He will likely play a mix of defensive tackle and Bandit for the Crimson Tide in 2025.
GET THE BEST ALABAMA FOOTBALL INSIDER INFORMATION, MESSAGE BOARD ACCESS, AND RECRUITING COVERAGE TODAY! SIGN UP HERETO UNLOCK OUR SUBSCRIBER ONLY CONTENT!*
Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.