TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama landed its first transfer portal commitment of the winter window on Tuesday evening when Florida defensive lineman Kelby Collins announced his commitment to the Tide. Collins, a former four-star recruit from Gardendale, Ala., has two years of eligibility remaining and will be counted on as an instant impact player for Alabama’s 2025 defense.
In two years at Florida, Collins recorded 29 tackles, three sacks and 15 quarterback hurries in 18 career games.
Roll tide😁
— Kelby Collins (@kelby_collins) December 18, 2024
What does this mean for Alabama?
Collins, 6 feet 4 and 278 pounds, was a budding star at Florida in 2023 with 23 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, a pass breakup and a forced fumble en route to being named to the All-SEC freshman team and The Athletic’s freshman All-America team. The 2024 season wasn’t as productive with just six tackles in six games, but the potential is there for strong contributions.
Collins’ path is similar to current defensive lineman LT Overton — a highly ranked prospect who committed to another program over Alabama out of high school but landed with the Tide the second time around. It’s indicative of the new college football landscape and the importance of relationships, where losing a recruiting battle in high school doesn’t completely close the door with the transfer portal.
Most of Alabama’s staff wasn’t with the program in 2023, but position coach Freddie Roach remains and was a key component in getting Collins to Tuscaloosa. The Overton addition was beneficial for Alabama this season, and there is hope that Collins can do something similar in 2025.
Roll tide😁
— Kelby Collins (@kelby_collins) December 18, 2024
Collins’ commitment fills a glaring need for the 2025 defense on the defensive line. The Tide could lose their entire starting unit with Overton, Tim Keenan, Tim Smith and Jah-Marien Latham all possibly moving on to the NFL after this season. Collins’ physical profile fits the bandit position (where Overton and Latham play) as the defensive end with pass-rush responsibilities.
Collins’ production is encouraging, and he will join rising star James Smith on a defensive line that will look much different next season.
With Collins’ commitment and Jaylen Mbakwe and Danny Lewis Jr. returning to the team, Alabama is at 85 total scholarships entering 2025: That number includes current Alabama players who have yet to make NFL decisions.
Collins will not be the final transfer portal addition as Alabama is looking to add at several positions, including wide receiver, offensive/defensive line and linebacker.
(Photo: Matt Pendleton / USA Today)
