Colorado transfer feels a switch has flipped for him at Alabama

Oct 11, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (41) tackles Missouri Tigers wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (3) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

Alabama football linebacker, Nikhai Hill-Green has become a key contributor at linebacker for the Crimson Tide.

Hill-Green transferred to Alabama from Colorado at the end of the 2024 football season. He had 82 tackles, two interceptions and two sacks during his last season with the Buffaloes.

The Colorado transfer has made a smooth transition to the Alabama defense with two starts over eight games this season. He has accounted for 34 total tackles for the Tide and two of those were tackles for loss. Hill-Green feels a switch flipped for him earlier in the season.

“I think it clicked in the Wisconsin game,” Hill-Green said. “And I just carried on that momentum, and I just stayed on my process.”

Going from one defensive system to another presents a variety of challenges. The veteran linebacker felt the challenge was both a physical and mental one for him.

“I would say a little bit of both,” Hill-Green told reporters. “Being more consistent with my process, it gives me that peace of mind to go out here and play free and play fast.”

Alabama has used Hill-Green on the edge at times, while he has taken the majority of his snaps as an off-the-ball linebacker. He feels Kane Wommack’s 4-2-5 Swarm defense allows him to showcase his versatility.

“This system really shows my versatility, and it allows me to make plays,” Hill-Green said. “It cuts me free and lets me play fast and make plays.”

Alabama’s defense is expected to continue to lean on the linebacker as the season progresses.