### Alabama Football Strengthens Roster with Transfer of 1,000-Yard RB Hollywood Smothers - The Alabama Crimson Tide has made a significant addition to their football roster by signing Hollywood Smothers, a running back who previously played for NC State. This move comes after a disappointing end to Alabama's season, where they were eliminated from the College Football Playoff (CFP) [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/alabama-favorites-to-land-top-ranked-transfer-portal-running-back-11311956]. - Smothers is expected to bring much-needed explosiveness and experience to a backfield that struggled last season, averaging only 104 rushing yards per game, which was among the lowest in the SEC [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-nc-state-running-back-025357406.html]. ### Breakdown of Alabama's Transfer Portal Strategy 1. **Player Acquisition**: Alabama has successfully recruited Hollywood Smothers, who had over 400 more rushing yards than the Crimson Tide's leading rusher in 2025 [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nc-state-rb-hollywood-smothers-transferring-to-alabama-122623751.html]. 2. **Coaching Impact**: Head coach Kalen DeBoer is credited with this strategic signing, marking a pivotal moment for the team's offensive lineup [https://bamahammer.com/kalen-deboer-and-alabama-land-game-changing-rb-in-the-transfer-portal-hollywood-smothers]. 3. **Fan Reactions**: The signing has generated mixed reactions among fans, especially following the team's recent CFP elimination, but many see it as a potential turning point for the upcoming season [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/social-media-reacts-alabama-landing-181525516.html]. ### Supporting Data on Rushing Performance - **Alabama's Rushing Statistics**: - Average rushing yards per game in 2025: **104 yards** - Comparison: Smothers had over **400 yards** more than Alabama's leading rusher [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-nc-state-running-back-025357406.html]. - **Smothers' Performance**: - Previous seasons at NC State: Demonstrated consistent performance and explosiveness, making him a valuable asset for Alabama's backfield [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/breaking-news-hollywood-smothers-commits-012307411.html]. ### Conclusion: A Promising Future for Alabama Football - **Key Takeaways**: 1. Alabama's acquisition of Hollywood Smothers addresses a critical need in their offensive strategy, particularly in the running game. 2. The move is seen as a strategic response to the team's recent performance issues, aiming to revitalize the roster for the next season. 3. The fanbase's mixed reactions highlight the pressure on the coaching staff to deliver results following a disappointing season. - **Overall Implication**: With the addition of Smothers, Alabama is positioning itself to enhance its offensive capabilities, potentially leading to a more competitive season ahead [https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/sports/college/football/2026/01/05/hollywood-smothers-transfers-alabama-football-nc-state-running-back/88032399007].