Alabama Adds Khalifa Keith to Transfer Class

Alabama has made a new addition to its roster with the signing of former Appalachian State running back Khalifa Keith from the transfer portal. According to reports, Keith will have two years of eligibility remaining as he joins the Crimson Tide.

During his time at Appalachian State, Keith struggled to make an impact, finishing the 2025 season with just eight yards on three carries in six games. Prior to that, he initially committed to Kentucky on July 4, 2022, but after visiting Tennessee two months later, he changed his mind and decided to join the Volunteers.

At Tennessee, Keith played for two seasons, accumulating 21 carries for 400 yards and a touchdown in four games during the 2024 season. He also saw limited action in the 2023 season, recording 24 yards on 11 carries. While his stats may not be impressive, his experience and background could still make him a valuable depth option for Alabama.

Depth Option in a Competitive Running Back Room

With a strong and competitive running back room already in place, including Daniel Hill, AK Dear, Kevin Riley, and incoming freshmen Ezavier Crowell and Traeshawn Brown, Keith is expected to serve as a backup. However, his presence adds another layer of competition and flexibility for the team.

Keith is an Alabama native, having attended Parker High School in Birmingham. As a former three-star recruit, he was ranked as the No. 613 prospect in the Class of 2023, the No. 42 running back, and the No. 26 player in the state according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings. His local ties and familiarity with the program could help him integrate smoothly into the team.

First Running Back in Alabama’s Transfer Class

Khalifa Keith is the first running back to commit to Alabama’s transfer class this cycle. Earlier in January, former NC State running back Hollywood Smothers had committed to the Crimson Tide, only to change his mind five days later and commit to Texas instead.

A Diverse Group of Transfers

In addition to Keith, Alabama has added 20 incoming transfers to its roster. These include:

• Former Oklahoma State tight end Josh Ford
• Former USC defensive lineman Devan Thompkins
• Former North Alabama punter Adam Watford
• Former Syracuse long snapper Ethan Stangle
• Former Mercer defensive back Carmelo O’Neal
• Former Michigan offensive linemen Kaden Strayhorn and Ty Haywood
• Former Virginia Tech linebacker Caleb Woodson
• Former Mississippi State defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones
• Former Marshall kicker Lorcan Quinn
• Former NC State wide receiver Noah Rogers
• Former Cal Poly offensive lineman Racin Delgatty
• Former Washington defensive lineman Caleb Smith
• Former Texas offensive lineman Nick Brooks
• Former Ole Miss offensive lineman Ethan Fields
• Former Oregon defensive lineman Terrance Green
• Former South Carolina edge rusher Desmond Umeozulu
• Former Mississippi State offensive lineman Jayvin James
• And a preferred walk-on in Jacksonville State tight end Jaxon Shuttlesworth

The Transfer Portal Timeline

The transfer portal officially opened on Friday, Jan. 2, and closed on Jan. 16. It’s important to note that the spring portal was eliminated in September and will no longer be an option for athletes moving forward.

Coach DeBoer’s Perspective on the New Class

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer spoke about the transfer class earlier this week in Mobile, Ala., expressing his excitement about the additions.

“I feel we addressed some areas that we either needed going into the portal numbers wise, and I think there’s some areas we really strongly upgraded, so I’m excited about that,” DeBoer said. “I’m excited not just about what the skillset of these guys are that are coming in, but also who they are as people and the character. We have some guys who whether they were voted team captain last year or probably we’re going to be, I think we got those type of guys in at multiple positions.”

DeBoer also emphasized the importance of chemistry and how the new players fit into the existing roster. “I’m really looking forward to getting back on campus and seeing them operate. I’ve heard great things as far as how they fit in and how they’ve mixed in with our current roster, and that’s what you’re really trying to make sure of. Yeah we’ve got to have the skill, but we also gotta have the chemistry.”