Jaylen Mbakwe, a former five-star recruit and standout from Clay-Chalkville, has decided to enter the transfer portal, confirming his intention to seek new opportunities beyond Alabama. The transfer portal opened on Friday and will remain accessible until mid-January, providing a limited window for athletes to explore transfer options.
Earlier, Mbakwe had denied plans to transfer, but the shift in his decision marks a significant development for the Alabama roster. Initially a defensive back, Mbakwe switched to receiver before last year’s ReliaQuest Bowl and saw limited playing time in the receiver position throughout the season.
Mbakwe has contributed primarily on special teams and occasionally in the return game during his sophomore year. His offensive statistics include three receptions totaling 55 yards, reflecting limited involvement in Alabama’s deep receiving corps. Ranked as the No. 3 player in Alabama and No. 12 nationally in the 2024 recruiting class by 247Sports Composite, Mbakwe entered the college football scene with high expectations.
This is not the first instance where Mbakwe contemplated transferring; he had previously planned to enter the portal a year ago but ultimately chose to remain with the Crimson Tide. His decision to re-enter the transfer portal signals a potential change in his collegiate trajectory.
Mbakwe is among several Alabama players who have recently used or announced intentions related to the transfer portal. On the same day, running back Richard Young entered the portal, joining others such as Bubba Hampton, Kameron Howard, and Roq Montgomery who made similar moves prior to Alabama’s Rose Bowl appearance.
Key Details about Jaylen Mbakwe’s Status:
- Position switch from defensive back to receiver ahead of last season’s bowl game.
- Sophomore with limited receptions and contributions mainly on special teams.
- Highly rated recruit nationally and within Alabama in the 2024 class.
- Previously considered transferring but stayed during the prior season.
- Part of a recent wave of Alabama players entering the transfer portal.
Mbakwe’s transfer will likely spark interest from programs seeking versatile receivers with defensive experience and special teams capability. His decision reflects ongoing roster adjustments and player mobility trends in college football, particularly within elite programs like Alabama. Observers will closely monitor where he lands next and how his role evolves in a new team environment.
Read more at: www.al.com
