That didn’t take long!

Alabama has added a transfer portal commitment from former NC State running back Hollywood Smothers, who was in Tuscaloosa (Ala.) for a visit on Sunday, Jan. 4 and Monday, Jan. 5. He will have two years of eligibility remaining. 

CBSSports’ Matt Zenitz first reported that trips to Alabama and Florida State would take place, while Bama247 confirmed that would take place over the weekend. Soon after that news, Zenitz provided an update that the Seminoles would no longer receive a visit. Bama247 joined Zenitz and CBSSports’ Chris Hummer with a Crystal Ball forecast in favor of the Crimson Tide on Monday afternoon. 

TRANSFER PORTAL ADDITION ANALYSIS: Breaking down what new Alabama RB Hollywood Smothers brings to Crimson Tide

ALABAMA TRANSFER PORTAL TRACKER: Latest updates on who’s coming and going

Smothers, who led the ACC with an average of 85.4 yards rushing per game, is ranked as the No. 2 running back and No. 28 overall prospect in the 247Sports Transfer Portal Player Rankings. The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder will be a redshirt junior in 2026. Smothers was a former four-star recruit who originally signed with Oklahoma during the 2023 cycle and transferred after one season with the Sooners.

The highly-sought after prospect rushed for 939 yards and six touchdowns (5.9 yards per rush) across 11 games played with the Wolfpack in the 2025 season. His strong year included four total 100+ yard performances, including 140- and 164-yard games against ACC opponents. Smothers also added 37 receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown. The 2024 campaign featured 89 carries for 571 yards (6.4 yards per rush) and six touchdowns.

It is important to note that Smothers had a previous relationship with current Alabama Director of Recruiting Jatavis Sanders, who served in a similar role with the Wolfpack a few years ago. Sanders was crucial in the immediate contacting of Smothers, quickly scheduled trip and ultimate commitment. 

Many have already made comparisons to former Alabama standout Jahmyr Gibbs, who also transferred into the program from an ACC program (Georgia Tech). Gibbs checks in at 5-foot-11, 200 pounds and possesses a very similar skillet set to the newest member of the Crimson Tide. 

Smothers brings an immediate impact type of ability to a Crimson Tide running back room that loses Jam Miller and Dre Washington to eligibility as well as the expected transfer of Richard Young, which was made official on Friday morning. The current room includes Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley and AK Dear, while the Crimson Tide signed five-star Ezavier Crowell as well as three-star Trae’Shawn Brown as part of the No. 2 overall signing class for 2026.

2025 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS