Former Alabama linebacker Justin Okoronkwo departed the Crimson Tide following the 2024 season and has since landed at a new SEC program that is set to face Alabama on the 2025 schedule.
The German-born defender transferred to South Carolina during the offseason and recently discussed his reasons for the move.
Okoronkwo spent one season in Tuscaloosa after joining Alabama as part of its most recent recruiting class. As a high school prospect, he was regarded as the top football talent in Europe.
Growing up in Germany, Okoronkwo’s athletic journey began with gymnastics and soccer. Only in recent years did he focus on football, a decision that quickly yielded results. His potential caught the attention of U.S. college programs, ultimately leading to his commitment to play for Nick Saban at Alabama. However, Saban departed just three weeks later. Okoronkwo chose to stick with the team through the coaching transition for his freshman season.
In 2024, Okoronkwo appeared in 12 games primarily as a reserve and special teams player, tallying 13 tackles. Despite showing promise, he opted to transfer after his freshman year in pursuit of more playing time.
Reflecting on the decision, he told The State:
“I felt like the starting spots were already gone, and, I mean, it’s hard to compete — especially at a place like Bama — with guys who are more experienced than you.”
Veteran linebackers Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson announced their returns for 2025, and Alabama also added Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill-Green, making the competition even stiffer. In contrast, South Carolina faces the challenge of replacing two starting linebackers, giving Okoronkwo a clearer path to increased playing time.
While the transfer portal offers players opportunities to improve their situations, it has sparked debate about a growing trend of players leaving rather than developing in one program. Some view Okoronkwo’s move as avoiding competition rather than embracing it, a sentiment underscored by the perception that commitments and patience in earning roles have become less common in modern college football.
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