After initially intending to enter the transfer portal, Alabama cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe has decided to remain with the Crimson Tide, according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett.
“I’m here to stay,” he told Fawcett.
Mbakwe has chosen to remain at Alabama and is looking to earn some snaps on the offensive side of the ball.
As a freshman, Mbakwe appeared in 11 of Alabama’s 12 regular-season games during his first year in Tuscaloosa. Initially part of the Crimson Tide’s cornerback rotation, he recorded 15 tackles, one tackle for loss, and two pass breakups. Mbakwe also contributed on special teams, including returning punts, where he totaled 46 yards on two returns in 2024.
Hailing from Clay, Alabama, Jaylen Mbakwe was a five-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. A former high school quarterback, he was ranked as the 16th-best overall recruit, the No. 2 cornerback, and the No. 3 player in Alabama. Mbakwe chose Alabama over Auburn, Georgia, and nearly 30 other offers.
Mbakwe is the second Alabama player to reconsider entering the transfer portal and remain in Tuscaloosa. He joins tight end Danny Lewis, who made a similar decision earlier this week.
The 20-day transfer portal window opened on Monday, December 9, and will close on Saturday, December 28. However, because of a later bowl game, Alabama players will have an additional five days to enter the portal.
