Just a couple of hours after predictions started to come in that it was going to happen, Alabama landed a commitment from NC State RB Hollywood Smothers out of the Transfer Portal. Smothers arrived in Tuscaloosa for a visit on Sunday, and Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide were able to lock him down.
BREAKING: NC State standout transfer RB Hollywood Smothers has Committed to Alabama, he tells @On3SportsThis season he totaled 1,128 yards and 7 TDsSmothers, who’s repped by @bnm_nil and @lawyerboycle, is one of the Top Players in the Portalhttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhSpic.twitter.com/B2u9chYnCy
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 6, 2026
Smothers originally planned to visit both Alabama and Florida State, but word leaked on Saturday that the elite transfer RB wouldn’t be making the trip to Tallahassee. All signs pointed to him landing in Tuscaloosa if things went well on the visit. And they clearly did.
Alabama lands NC State RB Hollywood Smothers out of the Transfer Portal
Running back was one of the biggest positions of need for the Crimson Tide in this portal cycle. Alabama had its worst rushing yards per game average in program history since that statistic was tracked this season. They haven’t really had a legitimate difference-maker at RB since Jahmyr Gibbs. That should change next season.
Smothers was one of the top running backs in the ACC this season. He ran for 939 yards and six touchdowns on 5.9 yards per carry for the Wolfpack. He’ll provide an instant – and much-needed – lift for the Crimson Tide in the backfield…