Alabama transfer defensive back King Mack has returned to Happy Valley, announcing his decision to join Penn State on Sunday morning.
Mack officially entered the transfer portal on Friday evening, as reported by On3’s Pete Nakos. He played in all 13 games for Alabama last season, recording a total of 14 tackles.
Before joining Tuscaloosa, Mack played for the Nittany Lions, recording three tackles as a freshman in 2023. He transferred during the spring transfer window and has two years of eligibility left.
Prior to arriving in Tuscaloosa, Mack was with the Nittany Lions, where he logged three tackles as a freshman in 2023. He made the move during the spring transfer window and retains two years of eligibility.
Mack is the sixth player to join Penn State’s 2025 transfer class, alongside defensive linemen Owen Wafle (Michigan) and Enai White (Texas A&M), interior offensive lineman T.J. Shanahan (Texas A&M), and wide receivers Kyron Hudson (USC) and Devonte Ross (Troy). The Nittany Lions rank 34th in the On3 2025 Team Transfer Portal Rankings.
Mack’s decision comes as Alabama readies for a shift in its defensive staff. Multiple reports indicate that the Crimson Tide are set to part ways with co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Colin Hitschler. Additional details from On3 and BOL’s Charlie Potter suggest that Kalen DeBoer may have potential candidates for the role nearby.
Mack is the 19th player to transfer out of Alabama following DeBoer’s first season as head coach. However, the Crimson Tide are bringing in five players, led by former Florida EDGE Kelby Collins. Collins ranks as the No. 53 overall player in the current transfer cycle, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings.
