Breaking News: Outside Linebacker Keanu Koht Confirms Departure, Enters Transfer Portal

Alabama outside linebacker Keanu Koht has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, signaling the end of his tenure with the Crimson Tide. A former four-star recruit in the 2021 class, Koht announced his decision through a heartfelt statement, expressing gratitude to his coaches, teammates, and the Alabama fan base.

“This was not an easy choice, but it’s one I believe is best for my future and personal growth,” Koht said. The linebacker, who has two years of eligibility remaining, cited the need for a fresh start as a driving factor behind his decision.

Koht, who was initially recruited by Nick Saban, had limited playing time during his two seasons, recording just nine tackles and half a sack. Despite his limited role, his potential as an edge rusher makes him a valuable target for programs seeking depth and versatility on defense.

This departure comes as Alabama, under head coach Kalen DeBoer, contends for a College Football Playoff spot amid a challenging season. Losing Koht further thins the Crimson Tide’s linebacker depth, especially with ongoing injuries and roster adjustments.

Koht’s next destination remains uncertain, but he is expected to attract significant interest from Power Five programs looking to bolster their defensive units.

Koht’s announcement represents a significant move for a player who was once seen as a high-potential recruit. His departure adds to the growing trend of athletes leveraging the transfer portal to find better opportunities for playing time or personal growth.

Koht’s exit impacts Alabama, which is fighting for a College Football Playoff spot but has faced challenges in consistency this season. As he explores his options, schools needing a versatile outside linebacker will likely show interest, making him a key figure to watch in the portal.

**Keanu Koht Enters Transfer Portal, Ending His Tenure at Alabama**

Keanu Koht, the former four-star linebacker for Alabama, has confirmed his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal, ending his time with the Crimson Tide. After two seasons at Alabama, Koht struggled to find consistent playing time, recording just nine tackles and half a sack. Despite this, his high potential as an edge rusher makes him an attractive option for other programs seeking to bolster their linebacker corps.

In his statement, Koht expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play at Alabama but acknowledged the need for a fresh start and new challenges. “This decision was not easy, but after careful reflection, I believe this is the best path for my future and growth as a player,” he said.

The 6’3”, 235-pound linebacker had been highly regarded coming out of high school as one of the top recruits in the 2021 class. Despite entering a competitive linebacker room at Alabama, Koht’s ability to disrupt plays on defense was evident during his high school career, earning him widespread attention from several top programs, including Alabama, who ultimately secured his commitment.

While his role at Alabama was limited, Koht’s decision to leave the program comes at a time when the Crimson Tide are pushing for a spot in the College Football Playoff. This move will further affect the depth at linebacker for Alabama, which is already dealing with several injuries. However, Koht’s departure could open the door for younger players to step into more prominent roles, and Coach Kalen DeBoer will likely make adjustments to fill the void.

For Koht, entering the transfer portal opens up new possibilities. With two years of eligibility remaining, he is expected to garner significant interest from Power Five programs across the country. Schools looking to enhance their defensive units with a versatile linebacker capable of rushing the passer will likely target Koht as he explores his next chapter.

This move signals an ongoing trend in college football, where players continue to leverage the transfer portal to find programs that best align with their goals and playing opportunities. Koht’s future is now up in the air, but his talent and experience will make him a sought-after commodity in the portal.