TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has revealed the list of players who will leave the Crimson Tide program, confirming a massive roster overhaul following the team’s College Football Playoff exit.
The departures, which include NFL Draft declarations and transfer portal entries, represent one of the most significant turnovers of the DeBoer era.
Players Leaving Alabama
NFL Draft Departures
· Ty Simpson (QB) — The starting quarterback declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after one season as the starter. Simpson passed for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2025. He reportedly turned down a $6.5 million offer from Miami to stay in college .
· Kadyn Proctor (OT) — The starting left tackle is headed to the NFL Draft .
· Parker Brailsford (C) — The starting center also declared for the draft, leaving a major hole on the offensive line .
· Germie Bernard (WR) — Alabama’s leading receiver from 2025 is off to the NFL .
· LT Overton (DL) — A key piece on the defensive front, Overton is draft-bound .
· Tim Keenan III (DL) — Overton’s partner on the defensive line also departs for the NFL .
· Josh Cuevas (TE) — The starting tight end is moving on .
· Jam Miller (RB) — Alabama’s lead running back departs .
· Deontae Lawson (LB) — A defensive leader and team captain, Lawson heads to the draft .
· Domani Jackson (CB) — A starting cornerback, Jackson is NFL-bound .
Transfer Portal Departures
· Jaylen Mbakwe (WR/DB) — Committed to Georgia Tech after two seasons .
· Keon Keeley (DL) — The former five-star entered the portal with two seasons of eligibility remaining .
· Qua Russaw (LB) — A former four-star who started at Wolf linebacker, Russaw transferred to Ohio State .
· James Smith (DL) — A starting defensive tackle, Smith transferred to Ohio State .
· Isaiah Horton (WR) — A valuable receiver, Horton left for Texas A&M .
· Wilkin Formby (OL) — Played over 1,000 snaps in two seasons before entering the portal .
· Cole Adams (WR) — A return specialist with 19 punts returned in 2025, Adams entered the portal .
· Jordan Renaud (DL) — Played in all 15 games in 2025 before transferring .
· Jalen Hale (WR) — Entered the portal after the Rose Bowl loss .
· Richard Young (RB) — Departed via the portal .
· Olaus Alinen (OL), Joseph Ionata (OL), Noah Carter (LB), Cam Calhoun (DB), David Bird (LS), Micah DeBose (OL) — All entered the portal .
DeBoer’s Response
DeBoer addressed the departures during a press conference, acknowledging the challenge of replacing so much production.
“You know, offensive line, we needed some guys that could step in with five guys graduating,” DeBoer said. “A couple of guys that were leaving for the NFL with Parker and KP” .
The offensive line was hit hardest, with only one returning starter — rising sophomore Michael Carroll — left from the 2025 unit . Alabama added six offensive linemen through the transfer portal to address the losses.
On the defensive side, DeBoer expressed optimism despite the losses. “I’m fired up about that group,” he said of the defensive line. “I’m fired up about what those guys bring. Both the returners and the newcomers that come in. I think we got longer, we got bigger, we got more athletic” .
What It Means
The departures signal a clear reset for Alabama in Year 3 under DeBoer. The Crimson Tide lost 10 starters from an 11-win team, including their quarterback, top receiver, top offensive lineman, and multiple defensive leaders .
Alabama now faces a quarterback battle between senior Austin Mack and sophomore Keelon Russell, with the competition described as “pretty even” . The offensive line will feature four new starters alongside Carroll .
The transfer portal haul — 19 players — was ranked No. 7 in the SEC for offseason moves, with ESPN citing the retention of key defensive players like Yhonzae Pierre, Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb as a major win .
DeBoer’s job security remains a topic of discussion, though College GameDay host Rece Davis said, “I don’t think his job is in any jeopardy, barring some type of empty elevator shaft season” .
This is a developing story.
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