The Alabama Crimson Tide seem to be closing in on a dynamic weapon in the transfer portal.
Following the Alabama Crimson Tide's embarrassing 38-3 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl, it became abundantly clear that changes needed to be made.
And while Alabama's defense may be been the primary culprit in its humiliating defeat, it was also rather obvious throughout the year that the Crimson Tide's rushing attack was sorely lacking.
That's why Kalen DeBoer seems to be making it a priority to bag a running back in the transfer portal, and it appears that Alabama may be zeroing in on an explosive option.
Former North Carolina State star Hollywood Smothers.
Smothers was expected to visit Tuscaloosa over the weekend and even cancelled a trip to Florida State in the process, which is certainly a good sign for DeBoer and Co.
The upcoming redshirt junior racked up over 1,100 yards from scrimmage in 2025, registering 939 yards and six touchdowns on 5.9 yards per carry as a rusher while also catching 37 passes for 189 yards and a score.
Hollywood Smothers. Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images.Smothers began his collegiate career at North Carolina State in 2023 but did not begin receiving significant playing time until Year 2, when he recorded 571 yards and six touchdowns while averaging a hefty 6.4 yards per attempt. Additionally, he logged 19 catches for 263 yards and a couple of scores.
The Charlotte native is the third-ranked running back in the transfer portal and the 29th-ranked player in the portal overall, via 247 Sports.
Smothers is absolutely what Alabama needs in its backfield and would certainly help open up the offense in 2026 no matter who is under center for the squad.
The Crimson Tide could also stand to add a wide receiver in the transfer portal, but that largely depends on whether or not Isaiah Horton returns to school. They are already losing Germie Bernard to the NFL Draft, and Lotzeir Brooks looks like a breakout candidate next year. Alabama also has four-star recruit Cederian Morgan joining the squad next fall.
We'll see if DeBoer is able to add Smothers, who clearly has significant interest in taking his talents to Tuscaloosa based on his actions in the lead up to this visit.
If not, Alabama will have to turn its attention elsewhere.