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By Tyler Erzberger
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Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide are reeling following the program’s worst loss of the 21st Century on New Year’s Day against the Indiana Hoosiers at the Rose Bowl.
While Alabama is still trying to stabilize itself following the 38-3 defeat in Pasadena, the transfer portal has opened, and the Crimson Tide has been dealt more roster blows.
Former five-star recruit Jaylen Mbakwe has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal and is expected to leave Alabama for a new program this winter.
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Mbakwe, a hometown kid from Alabama, is a sophomore who came to the Crimson Tide as a highly touted defensive back. After enrolling, he decided to switch to wide receiver, entering a deep position group he had to climb.
The move shows the massive shift in the college football landscape.
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While not a massive star for Alabama, Mbakwe has the talent to become one with the right development and time. Before, when Nick Saban ruled college football, the Mbakwes of the world would sit on the bench for a few years before being promoted in their final year or two to take over for players entering the draft or graduating.
Now, these types of players who aren’t getting starting time can transfer without any penalties and sign larger contracts with other schools that can promise them the minutes they need.
Indiana is one of the leading schools in the NIL/transfer portal era and has shown the power of finding the right gems left on the bench at other schools.
Alabama will have to adapt to this new age, and if they don’t, a return to the College Football Playoff is anything but a guarantee like it was under Saban.
The transfer portal officially closes on Jan. 16.
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