Kane Wommack feels transfer defensive lineman has a really ‘high ceiling’

Alabama football’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack is excited about what Devan Thompkins is expected to bring to the Crimson Tide’s defense in 2026.

Thompkins transferred to Alabama from USC after the 2025 football season. The 6-foot-5, 298-pounder finished his time as a Trojan with 56 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in three years of meaningful action. He had his best season in 2025 when he finished the year with 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.

Wommack discussed what went into Alabama going after Thompkins in the transfer portal on Friday.

“You try to find versatility, right, guys that can do multiple things, multiple positions, and that to me is something that he brings to the table,” Wommack said. “Just because of his athleticism and because of his size and strength, he can do things inside and outside at a pretty high level. Once we got to know him and you started doing your research from his time at USC, this guy’s a captain, he’s a leader, he carries himself with a professional demeanor day in and day out, and he has absolutely shown that in the first two months of being here. Just the level of maturity that he brings, the work ethic. He wants to be coached. He wants to be pushed, and he has a really, really high ceiling.”

The Alabama defensive coordinator also mentioned the Tide is moving Thompkins around on its defensive front. He is likely seeing snaps lined up within the interior of the Tide’s defensive line and along the edge this spring.

USC moved around quite a bit when he was a Trojan.

Thompkins looks to be trending to be a starter and major contributor for Alabama in 2026.