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Alabama Favorites to Land Top-Ranked Transfer Portal Running Back

Alabama Favorites to Land Top-Ranked Transfer Portal Running Back

Summary

Alabama is looking to strengthen their football team after a significant loss by trying to recruit Hollywood Smothers, a top-ranked running back, from the transfer portal. Smothers transferred from Oklahoma to NC State for more playing time and performed well last year. The transfer portal, which allows players to change teams, will close on January 16, 2026.

Key Facts

  • Alabama Crimson Tide experienced a major loss against Indiana in the College Football Playoff this season.
  • Alabama has had several players leave through the transfer portal recently.
  • The team is in talks with Ty Simpson, their quarterback, about his options for the future.
  • Alabama struggled with their running game in 2025, which the coaches publicly acknowledged.
  • Hollywood Smothers, a top-ranked player, is being pursued by Alabama to improve their running back position.
  • Smothers initially played for Oklahoma before moving to NC State, where he gained 939 rushing yards and 189 receiving yards in 2025.
  • The transfer portal, which lets college athletes switch teams, closes on January 16, 2026.

Source Information