'Here to Stay': Alabama CB Jaylen Mbakwe changes mind on transfer
After initially planning to enter the transfer portal, Alabama cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe changed his mind and will stay with the Crimson Tide, On3’s Hayes Fawcett reports.
“Here to Stay,” he told Fawcett.
Mbakwe will remain at Alabama and is seeking some snaps on the offensive side of the ball.
*** Tuesday morning update on Jaylen Mbakwe…
Mbakwe, a freshman, has played in 11 of Alabama’s 12 regular-season games during his rookie year in Tuscaloosa. Part of the Crimson Tide’s cornerback rotation early on, Mbakwe registered 15 tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass breakups. He also contributed on special teams, as most freshmen do, but even returned punts – a pair for 46 yards in 2024.
A native of Clay, Alabama, Mbakwe was a five-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. The former high school quarterback was considered the 16th-best overall recruit, the 2 cornerback and the No. 3 player from the state of Alabama in the class. He committed to Alabama over Auburn and Georgia, among nearly 30 offers.
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Mbakwe is the second Alabama player who planned on entering the transfer portal but chose to stay in Tuscaloosa. He joins Tide tight end Danny Lewis, who did the same this week.
The 20-day portal window opened on Monday, December 9, and will close on Saturday, December 28. Due to a later bowl game, Alabama players will have five extra days to enter.
To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.
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