A day or two after defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe threatened to leave the team, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne urged Crimson Tide supporters to “fight back.” A lucrative NIL offer from another SEC team enticed the former five-star recruit to enter the transfer portal. The suitor offered him not only cash but also the chance to play offensive snaps. Mbakwe originally committed to play football for Alabama, around 18 months before Nick Saban announced his retirement. Despite a last-minute push from Auburn, he finally stayed true to the commitment once Kalen DeBoer was hired. But his first season did not turn out the way he had intended. In just seven games, the 5-foot-11, 192-pound cornerback saw limited play but recorded 15 tackles and one interception. Malachi Moore, Bray Hubbard, Domani Jackson, and Keon Sabb were given precedence over Mbakwe by Alabama. Jaylen Mbakwe nearly made the move! Ole Miss reportedly attempted to take advantage of the top-12 prospect is off-year because there is still a lot of room for him to develop into an All-American standout. He might or might not have been offered a NIL deal of at least seven figures over the next two or three seasons by the Rebels (via the Grove Collective). He is undoubtedly an incredible athlete. Ole Miss would have allowed him to play both ways. On December 16, Jaylen Mbawke went into the transfer portal with an offer on the table. After about twenty-four hours, he removed his name from the transfer portal. The offer was matched by Alabama!
Not only did the Crimson Tide pony up the money for Mbakwe, DeBoer was willing to meet his request for snaps on offense. The first-year head coach teased the idea of making him a two-way player just one day after the five-star freshman withdrew from the portal.
As expected, Jaylen Mbakwe was seen receiving wide receiver reps at Friday’s ReliaQuest Bowl practice for Alabama.
Mbakwe nearly quit the team because he wanted to play offensively and could earn more money playing both ways for another team. The Crimson Tide gave up to his requests since they did not want to lose him!
