iStockphoto
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team is coming off a shocking loss against SEC foe Vanderbilt which knocked them from the top spot in the AP Poll. Now, the team has announced a second loss.
Former starting defensive lineman Jeheim Oatis plans to redshirt after appearing in a handful of games. He’ll sit out the remainder of the year before entering the transfer portal at season’s end.
The decision is related to playing time, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Under the previous staff, Oatis logged notable snaps while earning All-SEC honors as a freshman. The former four-star prospect started 10 games in that rookie season before injuries hampered his 2023 campaign.
Still, he made three starts and appeared in 13 contests with Nick Saban roaming the sidelines as a sophomore.
Unfortunately, he’s not been a major contributor with the new staff in Tuscaloosa. Oatis has played just 25 snaps over the last two weeks.
Alabama junior DT Jehiem Oatis plans to redshirt and enter the NCAA transfer portal, he told ESPN. Oatis started 13 games his first two years and was a Top 40 recruit. He said the reason for leaving is playing time, as he played 25 total snaps against Georgia and Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/pksgmAWsGY
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 7, 2024
Seeing the writing on the wall in terms of his depth chart situation, he opted to transfer. Once viewed as a Top 40 high school player, the 6′ 5″, 325-pound tackle will receive plenty of interest in the portal.
The announcement falls in line with what’s becoming a trend in college football.
Playing time and NIL demands have led to a number of notable redshirt decisions, headlined by UNLV starting QB Matt Sluka who left his team amid a perfect 3-0 start.
With the wide-open transfer portal, this is likely just the beginning.
Even Alabama’s football program isn’t immune!