Alabama Loses Veteran DB to Transfer Portal and 9 Crimson Tide Enter Portal

As of Wednesday evening, nine players have left the Alabama football program via the transfer portal.

On Monday, the Crimson Tide suffered a heartbreaking 27-20 overtime loss to the Michigan Wolverines in the College Football Playoff, opening the door for more players to leave the program. Per Pete Nakos of On3 Sports, defensive back Kristian Story is among those leaving Tuscaloosa. 

Story is the fifth corner to enter the transfer portal on Wednesday. Teammate Earl Little Jr., NC State corner Aydan White, former Liberty Flame Kobe Singleton, and Cal Golden Bear Sailasa Vadrawale have also decided to move on to a different program today. White headlines the group, tallying eight interceptions and 100 tackles in four college seasons.

Kristian Story: Joined Alabama Football in 2020 

Story, a top-ranked recruit in the class of 2020 per 247Sports, inked his letter of intent to the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Alabama native did not play as a freshman and recorded just seven tackles combined as a sophomore and junior. However, the six-foot-one third-level defender played a significant role on special teams and rotated within the defense this season.

Story accumulated 15 tackles, a TFL, and two passes defended in 13 games this year. He also recorded his first career interception against the Chattanooga Mocs in mid-November. 

Alabama Crimson Tide: Bleeding Transfers on Friday

The Crimson Tide lost nine transfers to the portal on Wednesday, with the day still far from over. Freshman quarterback Eli Holstein, wideouts Shazz Preston and Malik Benson, tight end Miles Kitselman, offensive linemen Seth McLaughlin and Terrence Ferguson, defensive lineman Monkell Goodwine, and defensive backs Earl Little and Kristian Story declared for the transfer portal on Wednesday. 

Holstein joined the Alabama football program as a four-star recruit last season, per 247Sports, while Benson snagged 13 receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown this season. Meanwhile, McLaughlin started for the Crimson Tide at center this season. The six-foot-four offensive lineman faced scrutiny after his team’s loss to Michigan in the Rose Bowl for his lackluster play. McLaughlin took heat for repeated bad snaps in defeat.