Alabama's Backup OL Enters Transfer Portal

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Alabama's 2025 Season Ends, Transfer Portal Opens with New Roster Activity

As the 2025 season for the Alabama Crimson Tide came to a close on Thursday, the transfer portal opened on Friday, leading to an immediate wave of roster changes. Among those making headlines is redshirt sophomore offensive linemen Olaus Alinen, who announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. Alinen became the eighth overall player and the sixth since the season ended to make this move. He shared his decision on social media, posting "God's plan" on Friday evening.

Alinen had a modest role during the 2025 season, appearing in all 15 games for the Crimson Tide. Most of his time was spent on special teams, but he also saw action on offense. According to data from Pro Football Focus, Alinen played 44 offensive snaps throughout the season. Of those, 21 were at left tackle, including a season-high performance against Eastern Illinois. He also contributed at other positions, playing three snaps at left guard, 17 snaps at right guard, and serving as an extra blocker in jumbo formations on three occasions.

Despite not being a starter, Alinen’s experience and versatility could make him an attractive option for other programs looking to add depth to their offensive line. With two years of eligibility remaining, he has the opportunity to continue his college football career elsewhere.

What This Means for Alabama

The departure of Alinen adds to a growing list of players leaving the program. As the transfer portal opens, it's clear that many athletes are taking the opportunity to explore new opportunities. For Alabama, this means the coaching staff will need to adjust its strategy for the upcoming season, potentially looking to fill gaps created by these departures.

While the team may have lost some key contributors, the Crimson Tide remains one of the most powerful programs in college football. Their history of success and strong recruiting pipeline ensures that they will remain competitive, even as individual players seek new challenges.

The Impact of the Transfer Portal

The transfer portal has become a critical component of college football, allowing players to move between programs more freely than ever before. For schools like Alabama, it presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, losing players can disrupt team dynamics and require quick adjustments. On the other hand, it opens the door for new talent to join the program.

For players, the portal offers a chance to find a better fit or pursue new goals. Alinen’s decision reflects this trend, as he looks to take the next step in his football journey.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 season comes to an end, the focus now shifts to the future. For Alinen and other players who have entered the transfer portal, the next few weeks will be crucial as they evaluate their options and make final decisions about where they want to play. For Alabama, the challenge will be to rebuild and strengthen its roster while maintaining the high standards that have defined the program for years.

With the transfer portal open, the college football landscape is set for continued change, and the Crimson Tide will need to adapt quickly to stay at the top of the sport.