Alabama football has suffered another significant loss on the defensive side, as starting defensive lineman James Smith has entered the transfer portal.
According to a report from CBS Sports on Tuesday, the former Carver High School standout is seeking a move after three seasons with the Crimson Tide. Smith becomes the second former high school teammate to enter the portal, joining fellow defensive starter Qua Russaw.
Smith was a regular presence on Alabama’s defensive front this past season, starting 12 games at defensive tackle. He recorded 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, while also ranking sixth on the team in quarterback pressures with 11, according to Pro Football Focus.
A highly regarded recruit, Smith was a five-star prospect in the 2023 class per the 247Sports Composite rankings, listed as the nation’s No. 2 defensive lineman and the No. 28 overall player.
With Smith’s departure, Alabama is now set to replace three starters along the defensive line ahead of the 2026 season. LT Overton and Tim Keenan III are also exiting the program after exhausting their eligibility.
Smith stands out as one of Alabama’s most notable portal losses so far, alongside Russaw, who had been the starting wolf outside linebacker before suffering an injury. Offensive lineman Wilkin Formby, who started 14 games, has also entered the portal.
The current transfer portal window will remain open until January 16 and represents the only opportunity for player movement before the 2026 season.
Be the first to comment