JUST IN: eight Alabama key men have enter transfer portal

Seth McLaughlin of Alabama and eight others access the transfer portal

Nine players from Alabama, including rookie quarterback Eli Holstein, former five-star receiver Shazz Preston, and starting center Seth McLaughlin, entered the transfer portal on Wednesday.

McLaughlin, who was in his fourth year at Alabama, may still be eligible to play for the next program for up to two more years. He played in the SEC title game against Georgia in 2021, which was his first significant action as a Crimson Tide player.

In 2022, he made eight starts at center, and in 2023, he started every game.

In the College Football Playoff semifinal matchup between Michigan and Texas, McLaughlin was the center. In the game, he missed two snaps, which appeared to be the result of McLaughlin and Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe’s ongoing snapping problems.

Terrence Ferguson, an offensive lineman for Alabama, also added his name to the transfer portal, which will negatively impact the depth of the line interior for the 2024 campaign.

Preston hasn’t produced much with the Crimson Tide despite being the 16th-ranked prospect in the 2022 class.

In the 2023 recruiting class, Holstein was ranked as the 23rd best prospect overall. He signed with Alabama in the same class as ESPN 300 quarterback Dylan Lonergan. Starter for this season Milroe declared he would return to Alabama in 2024, and Holstein is currently listed in the portal.

Wide receiver Malik Benson, defensive backs Kristian Story, Earl Little, Monkell Goodwine, defensive lineman, and tight end Miles Kitselman are among the other entries from the day.