Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Alabama WR Jaylen Mbakwe Enters Transfer Portal
Jaylen Mbakwe, a talented football player from Alabama, surprised everyone by deciding to leave his university team.
Just a few weeks ago, he said he wasn't going anywhere, but now he's looking for a new team.
He played as a wide receiver this past season but didn't get to play much.
Before that, he played as a defensive back.
He was a highly rated player when he first joined the team.
Now, he's one of several players leaving Alabama after a bad season.
He's hoping to find a new team where he can play more and show his skills.
Jaylen Mbakwe, a former five-star wide receiver, entered the NCAA transfer portal on January 2, 2026, surprising many after previously denying departure rumors.
He had a challenging 2025 season, transitioning from defensive back to wide receiver, and saw limited action with only three receptions for 55 yards.
Mbakwe was a highly recruited player, ranked No. 12 nationally and No. 3 in Alabama in the 2024 class, originally signed as a cornerback.
His decision adds to Alabama's offseason turnover, with several other players also entering the transfer portal.
With two years of eligibility remaining, Mbakwe is considered one of the most intriguing names in the portal due to his speed and ball skills.
- Who
- Jaylen Mbakwe, a former five-star wide receiver for the University of Alabama
- What
- Entered the NCAA transfer portal, surprising many after previously denying rumors of his departure
- When
- January 2, 2026, as the winter portal window opened
- Where
- Alabama, after a disappointing end to the 2025 season
- Why
- Seeking more playing opportunities after limited action in the 2025 season, with two years of eligibility remaining
- Player Name
- Jaylen Mbakwe
- Position
- Wide Receiver
- Recruiting Rank
- No. 12 overall player nationally, No. 3 in Alabama (2024 class)
- Years of Eligibility Remaining
- 2
- Notable Teammates Entering Portal
- Richard Young, Kameron Howard, Roq Montgomery, Bubba Hampton
- Alabama's 2025 Season End
- Loss to Indiana in College Football Playoff quarterfinals