In a surprising turn of events, former five-star wide receiver Jaylen Mbakwe has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. This move comes just weeks after the Alabama Crimson Tide sophomore publicly denied any plans of leaving the program.
From Denial to Departure: The Timeline of a Surprise Move
The news was confirmed by Mbakwe himself on Friday, January 2, 2026, coinciding with the opening of the winter transfer window. This decision has sent shockwaves through the college football community, especially considering his recent statements. In late December 2025, following Alabama's playoff run, Mbakwe was directly questioned about rumours linking him to a transfer. His response was a definitive, "Nah. Definitely not."
The 2025 season was a challenging one for the talented athlete from Clay-Chalkville High School. After switching from defensive back to wide receiver, he saw limited action on offense. His stat line for the season comprised just three receptions for 55 yards, primarily during games that were already decided. He found more consistent playing time on special teams, contributing as a punt returner.
This marks the second time Mbakwe has entered the transfer portal. After his freshman year in 2024, where he played cornerback and recorded 15 tackles, one interception, and three pass deflections, he initially entered the portal before withdrawing. He chose to remain in Tuscaloosa to undertake the position switch to wide receiver.
A High-Pedigree Recruit Seeking a Fresh Start
Jaylen Mbakwe's potential is undeniable. He was recruited as a five-star prospect in the 2024 class. Nationally, he was ranked the No. 12 overall player and was the No. 3 prospect in the state of Alabama by the 247Sports Composite. The dynamic athlete from Pinson, Alabama, originally signed as a cornerback, but his raw athleticism and versatility prompted the coaching staff to experiment with him on offense.
With two years of eligibility remaining, Mbakwe instantly becomes one of the most intriguing and sought-after names in the transfer portal. His exceptional speed and natural ball skills suggest he could thrive in an offensive system that can provide him with more opportunities and a clearer path to significant playing time.
Part of a Growing Exodus from Alabama
Mbakwe's departure adds to a notable wave of offseason turnover for the Alabama Crimson Tide under head coach Kalen DeBoer. On the same day Mbakwe entered the portal, running back Richard Young also made the decision to transfer. They join a list of earlier announcements that includes safety Kameron Howard, offensive lineman Roq Montgomery, and wide receiver Bubba Hampton.
These exits follow a disappointing conclusion to the 2025 season, which was capped by a lopsided loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Mbakwe's move further depletes a wide receiver room that will now lean more heavily on young talents like Ryan Williams and incoming freshmen.
The undergraduate transfer portal will remain open until January 16, 2026, giving college programs across the country a window to pursue top available talents like Jaylen Mbakwe. As roster reshuffling accelerates in modern college football, all eyes will be on where this former five-star recruit decides to play next.
