In the wake of Alabama head coach, Nick Saban’s retirement bombshell and with Kalen DeBoer taking his place, the Crimson Tide has been exposed to major shifts. Players are making moves to other teams announcing their entry into the transfer portal, causing many to speculate if DeBoer’s run is doomed to fail.

Recent additions to Alabama’s transfer portal include SEC Freshman of the Year, Caleb Downs and Kadyn Proctor, their standout left tackle. The back-to-back players, ushering out of the team have left fans wondering whether Alabama’s football dynasty is is finally over.

Transfer portal dynamics in Alabama Crimson Tide locker room

The 5-foot-11.5, 190-pound defensive dynamo Downs had captured the attention of the SEC with a sensational freshman season. Having posted 107 tackles and 2 INTs this season, his journey with DeBoer’s team culminated with acquiring the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award. His performance landed him on the second-team All-America list by the Associated Press and The Sporting News. The On3’s Charles Power named him the Defensive True Freshman of the Year. 

Despite having a good record with the Alabama squad, Downs now embarks on a path to join a new team by putting himself on the transfer portal and projecting himself as a top pick in the 2026 NFL draft. In addition to Downs, the DeBoer squad’s offensive line suffered another blow as Kadyn Proctor, the starting left tackle announced his entry into the transfer portal. 

Proctor has been the No.1 offensive tackle and No.5 overall player in the 2023 class. A highly touted recruit, he played a crucial role in the offensive line and earned freshman All-SEC honors.

DeBoer’s entry shakes up the Crimson Tide squad

As a new era dawns under the leadership of DeBoer, the back-to-back changes in the team lineup with Alabama players entering the transfer portal, the exodus points at the new coach’s ability. DeBoer faces the challenge of maintaining Alabama’s football legacy as he steps into Nick Saban’s formidable shoes.  

Read More: Alabama Head Coach Update: Everything You Need to Know About Nick Saban’s Successor Kalen Deboer in His New Role

With the acceptance of DeBoer as Saban’s successor, the Crimson Tide faces the dual challenge of adapting to a new coaching regime and retaining its competitive edge at the same time. Besides Downs and Proctor, wide receiver Isaiah Bond, RB Roydell Williams, and tight-end Amari Niblack are among the notables to leave Alabama after DeBoer’s coaching inception. 

Alabama football, a perennial powerhouse, finds itself at a crossroads as Kalen DeBoer’s entry as the new coach sets off a chain reaction within the program. The coming weeks and months will unfold a narrative of rebuilding and adaptability for the players and the new coach. 

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