BREAKING: Alabama DL Announces Redshirt Decision After Shocking Vanderbilt Loss
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team is facing another setback following their surprising loss to SEC rival Vanderbilt, which knocked them from the top spot in the AP Poll. In addition to the on-field defeat, the team is now dealing with the loss of former starting defensive lineman , who has announced his decision to redshirt and sit out the remainder of the season. Oatis plans to enter the transfer portal after the year ends, citing a lack of playing time as the reason for his decision, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Oatis, once a highly-touted four-star recruit, had an impressive freshman season, earning All-SEC honors and starting 10 games under the previous Alabama coaching staff. However, injuries hindered his 2023 season, and despite making three starts and appearing in 13 games with Nick Saban as head coach, Oatis has seen limited action this season under the new staff. Over the past two weeks, he’s played just 25 snaps, prompting him to reassess his future with the program.
This move aligns with a growing trend in college football, where players are redshirting and transferring in search of more playing time or better NIL opportunities. Oatis, standing 6′ 5″ and weighing 325 pounds, is expected to attract significant interest from other programs once he enters the portal.
Alabama junior DT Jehiem Oatis plans to redshirt and enter the NCAA transfer portal, he told ESPN. Oatis started 13 games his first two years and was a Top 40 recruit. He said the reason for leaving is playing time, as he played 25 total snaps against Georgia and Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/pksgmAWsGY
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 7, 2024
Even powerhouse programs like Alabama aren’t immune to the evolving landscape of college football, where the transfer portal and NIL deals are reshaping team dynamics. Oatis’ decision is another example of this shift, following similar moves by notable players like UNLV’s starting quarterback Matt Sluka, who left his team despite their perfect 3-0 start.