Happy Tuesday, everyone. Since we have a lull before the bowls start, ESPN is looking ahead to the offseason.
Alabama has a trio of consensus five-stars that can compete with any other class in the country: Elite 11 winner Julian Sayin (No. 5), explosive defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe (No. 19) and now Williams. The latter two put on a show in last weekend’s AHSSAA Class 6A title game, combining for eight touchdowns inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Alabama remained fourth in national rankings but closed the gap on Florida State according to 247Sports. Only Ohio State (five) and Georgia (four) have more five stars. Williams leads a group of five pass-catchers and tight ends. Like he told AL.com’s Ben Thomas, his decision was a year in the making, likely giving Tide coaches time to plan accordingly.
Another DL decided to enter the portal, though you may not remember much about him.
Barnes, a native of Montgomery, appeared in two games this season: Week 1 against Middle Tennessee and the last non-conference game of the regular season against Chattanooga. He’s the second defensive lineman to enter the portal, along with Isaiah Hastings. 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer were the first to report Barnes’ plans.
None of Alabama’s transfers have chosen a new school. The window to enter the portal closes one day after Alabama’s College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl against Michigan.
