Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer talks on the sideline Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, during the Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff against Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif.
It’s too early to tell how Alabama will fare in the transfer portal. At the moment, I’m cautiously optimistic about the Crimson Tide’s approach.
It can’t be fun for Tide fans to watch as player after player enters the portal. But look closely, what all is Alabama really losing?
Wilkin Formby, who was bumped from his position by a freshman while serving on the worst Alabama offensive line in two decades?
Qua Russaw and his two sacks over 21 career games?
Jaylen Mbakwe and his … podcast?
Tony Tsoukalas is a staff writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine with more than a dozen years of sports writing experience. Tsoukalas, a graduate of Alabama, has covered the Crimson Tide since 2016, previously working for the Anniston Star, Bama Central and Rivals. He won first place in the 2024 Associated Press Sports Editors contest in the Division D Beat Writing category. Along with team coverage, Tsoukalas provides a weekly column featuring his take on Alabama athletics. Follow him on X at Tony_Tsoukalas