For the fifth time since it opened, Alabama football has lost a linebacker, this time Justin Okoronkwo, to the transfer portal.

When Kalen DeBoer was introduced as Alabama football’s head coach one year ago, he did not make specific proclamations about his first season.

On Friday morning, Alabama transfer linebacker Justin Okoronkwo announced a commitment to South Carolina, joining Florida State linebacker Shawn Murphy as the second transfer linebacker to commit to the Gamecocks this offseason. A native of Munich, Germany, Okoronkwo signed with Alabama as a three-star prospect in December 2023.

While Alabama may have started the 2024 season with some dominant offensive performances, a final record of 9-4 with a bowl loss to Michigan suggests that a coaching change may be needed. Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and head coach Kalen DeBoer began working together in the 2019 season at the University of Indiana.

Former Alabama linebacker Justin Okoronkwo is sticking in the SEC and transferring to South Carolina after 1 season with the Tide.

In Kalen DeBoer’s first season at Alabama, he brought in 14 transfers. Most of which were starters or key contributors for the Crimson Tide in 2024. Since the conclusion of the 2024 season, DeBoer and the Crimson Tide have landed seven transfers.

The German native committed to the Crimson Tide in July 2023, bypassing offers from South Carolina, Michigan, Penn State and Nebraska, among others. Okoronkwo played his lone season in Tuscaloosa under new Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer, compiling 14 ...

Matt from Nashville writes: Kalen DeBoer’s 2024 season was a mixed ... a schedule that includes Georgia, Tennessee, LSU, South Carolina, Missouri, Oklahoma, Auburn, and two Power Four non ...

After losing the Reliaquest Bowl against Michigan, Alabama head coach Kalen Deboer learned of a key defensive player's final decision on his career.

Russell is a player to watch in the QB battle. The incoming freshman was the second-best player in the last recruiting cycle and promises to be Alabama’s QB of the future. Time will tell if DeBoer gives Russell an opportunity in his first season.

The Kentucky Wildcats had one of the worst seasons of the Mark Stoops era in 2024, finishing with a record of 4-8 overall, as well as 1-7 in SEC play, both of which were the lowest win totals since Stoops’ first season in 2013. Kentucky will likely have some pressure to win in 2025, which will be season No. 13 for Stoops in Lexington.

Things have now appeared to settle in the SEC, so let’s check in on the quarterback situations in the conference.