Less than 24 hours after announcing his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal, Alabama football cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe changed his mind.
Mbakwe, the 2024 five-star cornerback who played an extensive role on the defense as a true freshman, told On3 he was “here to stay” and would remain with the Crimson Tide instead of entering the portal.
Mbakwe scrubbed both his X account, formerly known as Twitter, and his Instagram of his transfer portal announcements. He then added a meme to his Instagram story with Leonardo DiCaprio from the film “The Wolf of Wall Street” saying “I’m not leavin’.”
Mbakwe, a former five-star and the No. 12 player in the 2024 class per 247Sports’ composite rankings, had 15 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, one interception and two pass deflections for the Crimson Tide.
Mbakwe also hosts a podcast with teammate and freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams called “The New Wave.”
Alabama has lost two defensive backs to the transfer portal: cornerback Jahlil Hurley, who committed to Kansas, and DeVonta Smith, who committed to Notre Dame.
Alabama tight end Danny Lewis Jr. also decided to return to the Crimson Tide after entering the transfer portal this offseason.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him atcgay@gannett.com or follow him@_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Alabama has lost two defensive backs to the transfer portal: cornerback Jahlil Hurley, who committed to Kansas, and DeVonta Smith, who committed to Notre Dame.
Alabama tight end Danny Lewis Jr. also decided to return to the Crimson Tide after entering the transfer portal this offseason.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him atcgay@gannett.com or follow him@_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
