Alabama linebacker transfer Keanu Koht commits to Vanderbilt

Former Alabama linebacker Keanu Koht has committed to Vanderbilt, he announced via X on Wednesday. Koht spent four seasons in Tuscaloosa, playing under Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer. But he felt as if a move was necessary for his final season of eligibility.

Clark Lea and the Commodores took full advantage, gaining a solid player. A big pickup for Vanderbilt as a player with SEC experience will be on the roster in 2025.

Ole Miss was thought to be in the running for Koht alongside Vanderbilt. Pete Golding is the linebacker’s former defensive coordinator, recruiting him to Alabama. Now in Oxford, there could have been a reunion between the two.

According to the On3 Transfer Portal Industry Rankings, Koht is a three-star prospect and the No. 151 overall player the enter this cycle. He comes in at No. 11 linebacker as well, one Vanderbilt hopes to be a huge pickup for the program.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.

Koht played high school football at Vero Beach (FL) High School, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 39 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

In seven games this season, Koht recorded five tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks. His last appearance came against Missouri in late October before being suspended by Alabama. DeBoer did not initially reveal the reasoning at first but was later found to be due to a speeding violation.

“He wasn’t with us, and he’s suspended right now,” DeBoer said following Alabama’s win against LSU. “I’m not gonna get into length or anything like that, but he won’t be with us this weekend.”

Koht is now looking to move on from the incident and start fresh. Vanderbilt has provided him with that opportunity out of the portal. He will be back in Bryant-Denny Stadium one more time though, as Vandy is set to face Alabama next season.