Naquil Betrand, a former offensive lineman for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, has been absent from the team’s roster since early October. On Monday, it was reported by Hayes Fawcett of On3 that Betrand expressed his intention to enter the transfer portal. This decision comes after a season during which he participated in only one game for Alabama.
Before joining Alabama, Betrand transferred from Texas A&M, where he spent his first year in college football but did not see any game action. His journey into college football began as a three-star recruit from Philadelphia, coming out of high school in the class of 2023. Standing tall at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 320 pounds, he possessed the physical attributes sought after by many college football programs.
The opening of the transfer portal for undergraduate athletes began on Monday and will be available for a 20-day period, allowing players to change teams if they choose to do so. Betrand’s decision to explore opportunities elsewhere is part of a broader trend, as Alabama has experienced a series of departures from its roster following the announcement that the team was not selected for the College Football Playoff. Instead, the Crimson Tide will conclude their season at the ReliaQuest Bowl, where they are set to face off against Michigan. This matchup is particularly notable as it is a rematch of last year’s College Football Playoff Rose Bowl semifinal.
Betrand’s departure marks him as the second offensive lineman to announce his intention to enter the transfer portal in light of the selection results for the College Football Playoff. Miles McVay is another offensive lineman who has also decided to pursue opportunities through the portal.
As the Crimson Tide prepare for their upcoming game against the Wolverines, fans can mark their calendars for an 11 a.m. CT kickoff on December 31. The game will take place in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium and will be broadcast live on ESPN. The anticipation for this bowl game is already building, especially given the history between these two teams and the stakes involved for Alabama as they seek to end the season on a high note despite missing out on the playoffs.
Overall, Betrand’s situation reflects the shifting landscape of college football and the impact of the transfer portal on team compositions. As athletes seek to find better opportunities or fit within a different program, the transfer portal serves as a crucial avenue for them to continue their collegiate careers. Alabama fans will be paying close attention not only to the upcoming bowl game but also to the developments within the team as players like Betrand make significant decisions about their futures in the sport. The next few weeks will be critical for the Crimson Tide as they navigate these changes and look to build a strong team for the upcoming season and beyond.
