Another 5-star recruit, freshman CB Jaylen Mbakwe, leaving Alabama

Field Level Media|published: Tue 17th December, 15:32 2024

Mar 21, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe tries to one-hand catch a ball during practice at the University Alabama Thursday.

Alabama freshman cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe plans to transfer after one season with the Crimson Tide.

Mbakwe said he has made a "business decision" after playing in 11 of Alabama's 12 games in the regular season.

"This was not an easy decision, but I believe it's the best step for my personal and professional development and the future I'm working towards for myself and my family," he wrote in an Instagram post.

Wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson, a five-star recruit as a running back in 2022, also entered the portal. He was not a factor offensively but Henderson was the team's primary punt returner in 2024.

Mbakwe signed with Alabama in 2022 and joined the team last year. He was a five-star recruit and top 15 overall prospect last year, when the 247 composite rankings placed him No. 2 among cornerbacks nationally.

Three Crimson Tide defensive backs have entered the transfer portal as of Tuesday. Safety DeVonta Smith committed to Notre Dame and cornerback Jahlil Hurley joined Kansas as part of the exodus, but cornerback Zabien Brown, also a five-star recruit in 2023, plans to return to Tuscaloosa.

--Field Level Media