Alabama adds offensive debt in transfer portal

Alabama’s offensive roster enters a new era of depth and versatility following a series of targeted additions via the NCAA transfer portal. Seeking to replenish skill‑position talent and shore up its offensive line after notable departures, the Crimson Tide secured seven contributors: wide receiver Isaiah Horton (Miami), running back Dre’lyn Washington (Louisiana), tight ends Brody Dalton (Troy) and Jack Sammarco (West Virginia), and offensive linemen Kam Dewberry (Texas A&M), Arkel Anugwom (Ball State), and Jayden Hobson (South Alabama) . These newcomers alleviate pressing needs around projected starting quarterback Ty Simpson and promise to bolster Alabama’s scheme flexibility.

Background: Managing the Transfer Portal

After finishing 9–3 in 2024, Alabama navigated a challenging offseason where over 20 players departed through the transfer portal. Yet the program responded decisively, adding ten transfers alongside its 2025 recruiting class to ensure robust depth across all units . Head coach Kalen DeBoer’s proactive engagement with players—and emphasis on team culture—has so far prevented further exits during the spring window, indicating buy‑in from both starters and rotational pieces . With the spring portal window closed on April 25, the Tide now shifts focus to integrating new talent ahead of summer workouts.

Incoming Offensive Transfers

Below is a breakdown of each offensive addition, detailing college production, positional fit, and projected role in Tuscaloosa.

Isaiah Horton, WR (Miami → Alabama)

A 6’4”, 205‑pound sophomore, Horton emerged as Miami’s second‑leading receiver in 2024 with 56 receptions for 616 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 11.0 yards per catch . His size‑speed combination and proven production against ACC competition make him an immediate contender for a starting X‑receiver spot opposite Jahcour Pearson. Horton’s arrival addresses a need for a physically imposing target who can stretch the field and win contested catches in the SEC.

Dre’lyn Washington, RB (Louisiana → Alabama)

Washington logged 73 carries for 478 yards (6.5 yards per carry) and five rushing touchdowns during Louisiana’s 2024 campaign, adding six receptions for 107 yards and one receiving touchdown . As a 5’9”, 224‑pound back with breakaway speed, he provides explosive change‑of‑pace ability behind incumbent starter Jahmyr Gibbs. Washington’s versatility in both rushing and receiving aligns with coordinator Bobby Petrino’s preference for multi‑dimensional backs in spread formations.

Brody Dalton, TE (Troy → Alabama)

Troy’s 6’5”, 250‑pound junior tight end recorded 15 receptions for 188 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, showcasing an 12.5‑yard average per catch and reliable red‑zone prowess . Dalton’s experience as Troy’s secondary receiving option—and his physical blocking skills—will bolster a tight‑end room that lost veteran blocker Cam Batson. He projects as a prime candidate for “move TE” packages, creating mismatches against linebackers in man coverage.

Jack Sammarco, TE (West Virginia → Alabama)

At 6’5”, 238 pounds, freshman Sammarco saw limited action but flashed potential in his lone reception for four yards during the 2024 season . A former three‑star recruit with detailed route‑running chops, he joins Alabama as the fourth tight end on the depth chart. His immediate impact may come on special teams and situational “H‑back” snaps as he acclimates to SEC competition.

Kam Dewberry, OL (Texas A&M → Alabama)

A 6’4”, 330‑pound junior guard, Dewberry brings SEC experience after starting games for the Aggies. Though Texas A&M’s interior line struggled last season, Dewberry’s size and strength provide depth at a position group that returns limited veteran snaps. His familiarity with SEC defensive fronts should accelerate his transition into Alabama’s zone‑blocking and power‑run schemes .

Arkel Anugwom, OL (Ball State → Alabama)

Standing 6’6” and weighing 332 pounds, Anugwom filled a key role on Ball State’s offensive line, earning praise for his run‑blocking consistency. As a sophomore with two years of eligibility remaining, he represents a developmental piece with upside for both guard and tackle roles. His length and athleticism suit Alabama’s motion‑heavy, gap‑scheme offense that values linemen who can pull and reach block on the move .

Jayden Hobson, OL (South Alabama → Alabama)

Hobson, a 6’5”, 295‑pound walk‑on from Hillcrest High School, spent time at Mississippi State and South Alabama but did not see game action . Rated a three‑star recruit in 2023, he provides needed tackle depth as Kadyn Proctor recovers from a shoulder issue and Wilkin Formby transitions positions. Hobson’s local ties and versatility—he lists himself as a tight end on social media—underscore Alabama’s commitment to adding experienced, coachable athletes to bolster roster competition.

Strategic Implications

These additions align with Alabama’s broader strategy of balancing internal development with portal acquisitions. By targeting proven contributors at skill positions and bolstering line depth, the Tide mitigates the risks of attrition and injury over a demanding SEC slate. Quarterback Ty Simpson, in his first full season at the helm, benefits from having a tall, physical receiver (Horton), a dynamic back (Washington), and reliable blocking/security from TE/RB group intermediates. Meanwhile, the offensive line’s infusion of size (Dewberry, Anugwom) and local talent (Hobson) ensures continuity in run‑and‑shoot and power formations.

Below is a deeper look at how Alabama’s seven offensive transfers will impact the Tide’s 2025 attack, featuring expanded player profiles, spring‑practice integration, schematic fit, depth‑chart projections, and broader strategic context.

Summary: Alabama’s 2025 offensive portal class — Isaiah Horton, Dre’lyn Washington, Brody Dalton, Jack Sammarco, Kam Dewberry, Arkel Anugwom, and Jayden Hobson — addresses key roster needs from receiver through tackle, blending proven production with developmental upside . Spring practice and the A‑Day scrimmage have already offered glimpses of how these newcomers might compete for starting roles and boost scheme versatility . Under first‑year head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, these additions not only replenish depth but also fit a balanced, multiple‑look offense designed to maximize Ty Simpson’s skill set at quarterback.

Expanded Individual Player Profiles

Isaiah Horton, WR (Miami → Alabama)

Horton, a 6‑foot‑4, 205‑pound sophomore, committed to Alabama after hauling in 56 catches for 616 yards and five scores at Miami in 2024 . His size‑speed blend gives the Tide a vertical threat opposite returning starter Jahcour Pearson, while his contested‑catch ability fits seamlessly into Petrino’s field‑stretching concepts . In A‑Day work, Horton flashed crisp route separation and strong hands on deep outs, signaling early chemistry with Simpson .

Dre’lyn Washington, RB (Louisiana → Alabama)

Washington enters Tuscaloosa as a rising redshirt senior who averaged 6.55 yards per carry on 73 attempts for Louisiana in 2024, tallying five rushing TDs plus 107 receiving yards and another score . At 5‑foot‑9 and 218 pounds, he provides a compact, explosive complement to returning back Jam Miller, giving DeBoer options in zone‑read packages and third‑down passing situations . Early spring reports note Washington’s patient running style and blitz‑pickup prowess on passing downs .

Brody Dalton, TE (Troy → Alabama)

Dalton, a 6‑5, 250‑pound junior, logged 15 receptions for 188 yards and three TDs at Troy in 2024 before entering the portal . His combination of inline blocking and seam‑route savvy positions him as Alabama’s “move TE” threat, capable of exploiting linebacker matchups in two‑tight formations . Coaching staff praise Dalton’s red‑zone presence and ability to bend the seam .

Jack Sammarco, TE (West Virginia → Alabama)

Sammarco, a 6‑5, 238‑pound freshman, joins as a developmental H‑back after a limited freshman campaign at West Virginia . Though his on‑field production was minimal, coaches see his route‑running polish—honed as a three‑star recruit—as a foundation for special‑teams snaps and situational blocking packages while he acclimates to SEC speed .

Kam Dewberry, OL (Texas A&M → Alabama)

A seasoned SEC guard, Dewberry brings one year of eligibility after starting along Texas A&M’s interior in 2024 . At 6‑4 and 330 pounds, his experience against top‑tier defensive fronts accelerates Alabama’s need for veteran depth alongside Josh Kaindoh and Geno VanDeMark . Film viewers note his strong initial punch in power runs and awareness on reach‑blocks .

Arkel Anugwom, OL (Ball State → Alabama)

Anugwom, a 6‑6, 325‑pound sophomore, started every game for Ball State in 2024 after moving from Nigeria as a senior in high school . His length and mobility fit DeBoer’s gap‑scheme, where pulling guards and athletic tackles unlock outside runs and screen game concepts . Spring ball has shown improvement in his hand placement and mirror drills .

Jayden Hobson, OL/TE (South Alabama → Alabama)

Hobson, listed at 6‑5 and 295 pounds, entered the portal after stints at Mississippi State and South Alabama, and intriguingly refers to himself as a tight end on social media . His versatility provides Alabama flexibility at tackle or H‑back, particularly as veteran tackle Kadyn Proctor rehabs a shoulder injury .

Spring Practice Integration & A‑Day Takeaways

Alabama’s annual A‑Day scrimmage spotlighted how quickly these transfers have assimilated. Horton and Washington logged reps with the first‑team offense, showing promise in timing and decision‑making . Dalton and Sammarco rotated in two‑tight sets, with Dalton flashing mid‑level seam bursts . On the line, Dewberry and Anugwom held ground in one‑on‑ones, while Hobson’s flexibility allowed coaches to mix him at H‑back during heavy goal‑line work . Observers noted crisp communication between new linemen—an encouraging sign for cohesion .

Depth‑Chart Projections & Positional Battles

Based on spring performance and returning talent, potential Week 1 starters might look like:

• WR X: Isaiah Horton; Z: Jahcour Pearson; Slot: Xavier Truss
• RB: Jam Miller; change‑of‑pace: Dre’lyn Washington
• TE: Brody Dalton; H‑back: Jack Sammarco
• OL: Dewberry/VanDeMark at guard; Anugwom emerging at tackle; Hobson as key reserve

Battles remain intense: Horton must unseat slot veteran Jermaine Burton, while Washington and Miller duel for early-down work. Dalton’s jump‑ball ability challenges returning tight ends, and the interior line group remains fluid through August camp.

Scheme Fit & Strategic Outlook

Under DeBoer’s balanced offense, which blends spread concepts with power‑run looks, these transfers add:

• Vertical Juice: Horton’s length and Washington’s speed open field‑stretching threats .
• Positional Versatility: Dalton and Sammarco allow multiple tight‑end sets, forcing defenses to declare coverages early .
• Line Depth & Athleticism: Dewberry and Anugwom’s SEC and zone‑scheme experience ensure Alabama can sustain a downhill run game late into games; Hobson’s hybrid profile adds creative package options .

Looking Ahead: Summer Camp & Season Outlook

As summer workouts transition to fall camp, the true pecking order will materialize. Coaches will prioritize consistency in pass protection and quick‑strike passing game, areas where these transfers must prove themselves against Alabama’s storied standard. For fans, the infusion of experienced portal talent bodes well for maintaining depth, minimizing drop‑off from 2024 departures, and sustaining national championship contention into the 2025 season.

Bottom Line: Alabama’s 2025 offensive portal class not only refills immediate gaps but strategically enhances scheme flexibility, matching DeBoer’s vision for a dynamic, adaptable offense poised to challenge for SEC and national titles.

Looking Ahead

As summer workouts commence, staff will evaluate each transfer’s grasp of playbook concepts and chemistry with returning stars. Spring practice reports highlighted improved ball‑security drills and downhill run tendencies; the newcomers must demonstrate mastery of these fundamentals to secure early playing time. Fans can monitor depth chart updates throughout the summer, with fall camp performances likely cementing the roles envisioned by the coaching staff.

Bottom Line: Alabama’s offensive haul from the transfer portal addresses immediate needs and strengthens positional groups across the board. By integrating experienced contributors and local talents, the Crimson Tide enters the 2025 season with renewed depth, flexibility, and championship aspirations.