After being buried on the depth chart for three seasons, it seems like this defensive end is ready to make an immediate impact for the Crimson Tide.
The transfer portal wasn’t kind to the University of Alabama. It lost 23 members of the roster, with many of them playing key snaps.
But like all programs, there's a quick turnaround in college football. And Alabama found itself someone who’s ready to make an impact.
Desmond Umeozulu is an EDGE rusher who spent his first three years in college with the University of South Carolina, but struggled production-wise due to being buried in the depth chart.
Over the three seasons he was in Columbia, he played in every game, mostly for special teams, but totaled 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.
Not exactly world beater numbers.
But the trend of this recent administration run by General Manager Courtney Morgan and head coach Kalen DeBoer has proven that they have a keen eye for talent.
They’ve brought out the best from three star freshmen in London Simmons and Lottie Brooks, as well as turning Germie Bernard into a projected NFL Draft Pick in the first three rounds.
Umeozulu was originally a four-star recruit when he signed on with South Carolina, and the calling card on him coming out of high school was his energy.
Brian Dohn, a national recruiting analyst for 247Sports wrote in 2022 that Umeozulu had plenty of traits that can help him become a difference maker at the college level.
“Possesses body control and closing speed to tackle in space. Has speed to chase down play from behind. Plays with energy and effort and has physical approach. Willing to work through double teams. Good change of direction for frame size. Shows an ability to use his hands effectively to keep offensive linemen from engaging.”
High school is always a different story than the college level, but he has the physical traits to be an everyday player for a team, especially a team that’s EDGE is wide open opposite of Yhonzae Pierre.
So why wasn’t he able to break through in South Carolina? It’s because there was always someone ahead of him.
Defensive ends Jordan Strachan, Bryan Thomas Jr., and Dylan Stewart were every snap players, leaving Umeozulu out to only make a difference in special teams. And for three years, he accepted his role and made the best of it.
What Alabama fans would be encouraged to hear is that Stewart, who is one of college football’s elite pass rushers, has looked to emulate Umeozulu’s game.
“A lot of guys don’t even know, Dylan Stewart really looks up to (Umeozulu),” former teammate Jalon Kilgore said. “He’s really trying to be like him and be more of a team player.”
It seems like Umeozulu will have more of an amplified role at the Wolf position in 2026 though, as he’s been gaining fans from Alabama’s coaching staff.
“It was really fortunate for us to get Desmond Umeozulu,” defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said in spring camp.
Projected starting left tackle Jackson Lloyd was blown away by how much of a difference he makes on the line as well.
“I have been going against them all for a while,” Lloyd said. “They are all great pass rushers. Dez [Umeozulu] coming in … He has been good. He’s giving me a good look.”
A lot of the fear coming into the 2026 season was how were the Tide going to rush the quarterback outside of Pierre.
But with Umeozulu and the possibility of sophomore Justin Hill coming in to make a difference, there will be plenty of competition on the edge.
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