Alabama fans received some news Wednesday morning that hurt.

Caleb Downs, a former five-star in the 2023 recruiting class, has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

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A native Georgian, he was arguably the best true freshman in the nation for college football last season.

As a safety, Downs led Alabama for total tackles (107) and solo tackles (70) in 2023. He turned in four pass breakups, a forced fumble, and two interceptions. Downs assisted the Crimson Tide to a Southeastern Conference Championship and a return to the College Football Playoff. He earned several individual accolades, but now he's taking his talents elsewhere. 

Alabama fans are reacting to Downs' departure on social media.

 

 

 

This sucks man lol people just poaching https://t.co/5qwjuDN6V6

— Kenneth Cannon (@KennethCannon_) January 17, 2024

I’m done. 2024 is 🗑️ https://t.co/NE0SEDJP2o

— Cayla Bone (@caylaraebone) January 17, 2024

This one hurts the most. True freshman starter. All American. Our best returning defender. Dang https://t.co/sQRuTMy27S

— Kakarot (@ShadBoogie) January 17, 2024

This one hurt.. https://t.co/AKNApN4lOT

— Dooney (@_dooneyy) January 17, 2024

https://t.co/0J5IxKI61x pic.twitter.com/SftnPzr6Gw

— Jaren Thames (@Kingthames23) January 17, 2024

This the lost Bama didn’t want to take. That’s wild. Idk why he would leave smh https://t.co/BR0zYlobKW

— OGRippa™️💰 (@OGRippa_) January 17, 2024

We will be iight https://t.co/9B8C0atMlM

— STAR (@STARG4A) January 17, 2024

Go be great my boy https://t.co/iNfJLhYu4C

— Tyree Edmondson (@BigTyre69) January 17, 2024

https://t.co/DIQ1gk3vZ2 pic.twitter.com/uvs0aEyKze

— Deleón Don🥃 (@_JonesSoReal) January 17, 2024

Thinking any of these young men came to Tuscaloosa Alabama for any reason other than Nick Saban is crazy. Thinking they would stay after he left bc they “love Alabama football” is even crazier. Most delusional fan base in all of sports fr😂 https://t.co/4wSX4Eq0Ff

— Dancery curator (@GoJohnDoe) January 17, 2024

Hate it, but bye 👋 https://t.co/FALnmYYOaH

— The Alabama Nation #GumpCertified 🥋 (@AlabamaNati0n) January 17, 2024

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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.