Alabama’s star left tackle Kadyn Proctor has firmly rejected an aggressive tampering attempt from rival Auburn. Sources close to the situation reveal that the Tigers, desperate to bolster their offensive line after recent roster losses, floated a massive $7.7 million NIL package — reportedly double Proctor’s current valuation and one of the largest offers seen in recent portal cycles — to entice the consensus All-American to flip to the Plains. Proctor, however, shut down the overtures immediately, reaffirming his commitment to the Crimson Tide as he prepares for what could be his final season in Tuscaloosa before entering the NFL Draft.

Proctor, the 6’7”, 366-pound anchor of Alabama’s offensive front, has been a cornerstone since arriving as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2023 class. After a brief transfer to Iowa following Nick Saban’s retirement, he returned to Alabama and flourished under Kalen DeBoer, earning consensus All-American honors in 2025, co-recipient of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the SEC’s top lineman, and allowing just a handful of sacks across multiple seasons. His decision to stay comes as the Tide face significant offensive line turnover, with several starters like Parker Brailsford declaring for the NFL and others entering the portal, making Proctor’s presence even more vital for continuity and leadership.

The reported $7.7 million offer highlights the escalating arms race in college football, where tampering allegations and massive NIL deals continue to dominate headlines. Auburn’s pursuit, while aggressive, reportedly crossed into impermissible contact territory, echoing past controversies in the SEC. Proctor’s rejection not only slams the door on the rival but sends a powerful message about program loyalty and long-term vision over short-term financial gain. His current NIL valuation, previously estimated around $695K in earlier reports, underscores just how lucrative the proposed flip would have been — yet the Iowa native chose the crimson and white.

This move bolsters Alabama’s defensive stance in the portal wars as the 2026 offseason heats up. With the offensive line needing reinforcements after losses, Proctor’s return provides a stabilizing force and a potential mentor for younger linemen like Michael Carroll, who is expected to step up. The Tide’s staff, already navigating a rebuild up front, will lean heavily on Proctor’s experience, technique, and physical dominance to maintain elite protection for the quarterback in what promises to be a competitive SEC slate.

Proctor’s loyalty adds another chapter to his storied journey — from five-star recruit to brief portal drama, to All-American status and now a stand against big-money temptation. As he eyes a likely first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, his choice to finish his college career in Tuscaloosa reinforces the program’s enduring appeal and the value of tradition amid the modern game’s chaos.

Crimson Tide faithful can breathe easy — Proctor is staying put. No amount of green could pull him away from the Capstone. Roll Tide! 🐘