'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.
Top 10
- 1New
Top 25 College QBs
Ranking best '25 signal callers
- 2
Top 25 Defensive Lines
Ranking the best for 2025
- 3
Big Ten Football
Predicting 1st loss for each team
- 4Hot
College Football Playoff
Ranking Top 32 teams for 2025
- 5Trending
Tim Brando
Ranks Top 15 CFB teams for 2025
Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
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.
Not a member, Alabama fans? Join BOL today!
Have you subscribed to BamaOnLine.com yet? You can sign up for ONE MONTH of premium access to our Alabama coverage for just $11.99! Be able to read all of BOL’s premium articles and nuggets covering Alabama sports and recruiting and also join thousands of other Crimson Tide fans around the globe on the BOL Round Table message board! CLICK HERE!