Alabama has arrived in Tampa for next week’s ReliaQuest Bowl, and took the practice field today in preparation for the matchup with Michigan on New Year’s Eve.
After practice, reporters met with offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, and asked them about a few of the Crimson Tide’s incoming transfers for next season.
WR Isaiah Horton
Wide receiver Isaiah Horton transferred in after a productive season at Miami in 2024. He was one of the Hurricanes’ top pass-catchers, hauling in 56 catches on the year for 616 yards and five touchdowns.
“We’re always trying to add quality players to our roster. Guys that add competition, guys that have experience, guys that have the right mindset and attitude.” Sheridan said. “Not just him specifically, but all the people we bring into our program, you’re looking for those things. We’re certainly excited about him and the other guys we added.
“Obviously you’re looking for a variety of skillsets at that position. Certainly catch radius is always something, and different guys present that skill in different ways. Guys that can separate and get open in their own unique style, guys that can make contested catches, guys that can do something with the football, whether you’re big or small those are things that are important at that position. Certainly he’s displayed that.”
At 6-foot-4, Horton brings size on the outside that Alabama was lacking this past season, and will be greatly beneficial to the receiver room as a whole. He’ll be joined by star Ryan Williams, who will return for his sophomore season, as well as Germie Bernard if he decides to come back for his senior year.
DB Cam Calhoun
On the defensive side, Alabama brought in defensive back Cam Calhoun as an added piece for the cornerback room. Calhoun came from Utah, and the year before that he was at Michigan.
“Excited about Cam Calhoun. You always look for experience value out of the transfer portal, I think we’re addressing some needs from an experience standpoint with a guy that can play multiple positions, he can do a lot of different things,” Wommack said. “He’s long, he looks like our guys. Quite honestly one thing I’ve realized we have to navigate here in the transfer portal is finding young men that believe they can play at Alabama.
“More often than not, there’s a number of guys that are excited about it, interested in it, but when the rubber meets the road they don’t think they can play here. So they choose not to come, and it’s okay. If you don’t think you can play here, then you shouldn’t come play at Alabama. Cam walked in the door with the mentality that he belonged at Alabama. Typically to me, those are the guys that’ll be successful here.”
Calhoun will be competing at a cornerback position that returns some major talent, with starter Zabien Brown slated to return as well as DaShawn Jones, while starter Domani Jackson has a decision to make regarding the NFL Draft. Jaylen Mbakwe also saw significant playing time at cornerback as a freshman, but has been practicing at wide receiver during bowl preparations.
LB Nikhai Hill-Green
The other defensive addition Alabama has made is linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green, a transfer from Colorado who played inside linebacker. His addition is a welcomed one in a unit with a lot of unknowns for next season, as starters Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson have NFL Draft decisions to make while top reserve Justin Jefferson awaits an NCAA ruling on his eligibility.
“Excited about Nikhai coming with our program. Here’s a guy with a lot of experience, he’s played a lot of snaps,” Wommack said. “When we got him in there, and had meetings with him, talked ball with him during his official visit it was very evident how smart of a ball player he was, how good of a communicator he’s gonna be. For us, having that experience with a group of guys with a lot of reps that we’re losing, a lot of mental reps, I think him and his experience is gonna be critical for us moving forward.”
Hill-Green has played college football since 2020 and will spend his last year of eligibility at Alabama in 2025, being his fourth college stop after playing at Michigan, Charlotte, and the aforementioned stop at Colorado last season.
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Alabama coordinators Nick Saban and Bill O’Brien recently shared their thoughts on the incoming transfers to the program. Saban and O’Brien both expressed excitement about the additions to the team and the impact they believe these players will have on the field.
Saban highlighted the talent and potential of the transfers, noting their ability to contribute immediately and provide depth at key positions. He emphasized the importance of adding experienced players to the roster and praised the work ethic and dedication of the new additions.
O’Brien echoed Saban’s sentiments, praising the transfers for their skillset and versatility. He noted that the players bring a unique blend of talent and experience that will help elevate the team to the next level. O’Brien also emphasized the importance of competition within the team, stating that the transfers will push their teammates to improve and elevate their performance.
Overall, both coordinators are optimistic about the impact the incoming transfers will have on the Alabama program. They believe that these players will help strengthen the team and contribute to its success in the upcoming season.
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