Alabama football linebacker Justin Okoronkwo entered the transfer portal on Sunday, just before the portal’s deadline, according to 247Sports. Okoronkwo, a 6-foot-3, 228-pound freshman from Munich, Germany, spent the 2024 season with the Crimson Tide, where he contributed modestly during his first year on the team.
In his debut season, Okoronkwo recorded 14 tackles while playing 39 defensive snaps, as reported by Pro Football Focus. His most significant defensive contribution came during Alabama’s shutout victory over Missouri, where he logged 14 snaps. Despite limited playing time, Okoronkwo showed potential as a developing linebacker.
A member of the 2024 recruiting class, Okoronkwo was a three-star prospect. He ranked as the No. 506 overall recruit and No. 47 linebacker in his class, but he stood out as the No. 1 overall prospect from Germany. His recruitment highlighted Alabama’s ability to attract international talent, even from non-traditional football hotbeds like Europe.
Okoronkwo’s departure adds to the list of Alabama’s inside linebackers who won’t be returning for the 2025 season. Jeremiah Alexander also entered the transfer portal, while Jihaad Campbell declared for the NFL Draft. Despite these losses, Alabama’s linebacker corps remains strong, with several key players set to return.
Among the returning linebackers are Justin Jefferson and Deontae Lawson, both of whom announced their intention to stay for the 2025 season. Additionally, Alabama bolstered its depth by acquiring Nikhai Hill-Green from Colorado via the transfer portal. These moves ensure that the Crimson Tide will retain an experienced and talented linebacker group as they prepare for the next season.
Okoronkwo’s transfer comes during a secondary transfer portal window that opened following Alabama’s appearance in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Tuesday. While the portal officially closed on Sunday, players’ names can still appear in the database for up to two days after schools submit their entries.
The transfer portal continues to be a dynamic part of college football, with players seeking new opportunities and programs adapting to roster changes. For Alabama, Okoronkwo’s exit may create room for other young talents to emerge, while the freshman linebacker will likely seek a program where he can secure more playing time and further develop his skills.
As Alabama moves forward, its focus remains on maintaining a competitive roster to contend for championships. The addition of transfer players like Hill-Green and the retention of key veterans like Lawson and Jefferson highlight the program’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing college football landscape. Meanwhile, Okoronkwo’s journey will be one to watch as he transitions to his next opportunity in college football.
