Alabama's offensive lineman, Olaus Alinen, is reportedly set to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, according to On3's Hayes Fawcett. Alinen, who has been with the Crimson Tide for three seasons, primarily served on special teams but also occasionally played on the offensive line. He played in all 15 games this season and 13 games in the 2024 campaign, contributing to the team's 9-4 overall record. Alinen's high school football journey began at The Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut, where he was a four-star prospect and ranked as the 168th overall player and 12th offensive tackle in the 2023 recruiting cycle. Originally from Finland, he moved to the United States for his junior year of high school to pursue his football career. This move has now led him to explore new opportunities. Alinen is the eighth Alabama player to announce his intention to enter the transfer portal, marking a significant shift for the team. The Crimson Tide's season concluded with a disappointing 38-3 loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, where they struggled offensively, managing only 193 total yards and 11 first downs. The team's starting quarterback, Ty Simpson, suffered a 'cracked' rib after taking several hits. As Alabama prepares for the upcoming season, head coach Kalen DeBoer acknowledges the need for a fresh start, emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation for the future. With players moving on and new goals in mind, the team is determined to reach new heights and rebuild for success.
