Look, he might have tiptoed to Tuscaloosa with a 9-4 season without any fireworks, but don’t sleep on that, as Kalen DeBoer’s exit is going to be etched in gold. We all know that losing against teams like Oklahoma and Vanderbilt cuts deep, no doubt, but you can’t ignore the weight DeBoer carries coaching under the shadow of a six-time championship-winning team. Still, he is swinging hard, and now that Bama sits at the No. 3 position nationally with 21 commits this season, it shows that he is building something legit. His major move? Getting this second-team All-Big 12 220lbs freak from Colorado onto the team. And this isn’t just some random transfer portal grab but a win that might save DeBoer’s team from sinking in the future.
But who’s this highly anticipated CU transfer? Nikhai Hill-Green, a battle-tested veteran dripping in experience. Team culture is what attracted Nikhai the most. “The attention to detail by everyone, both players and coaches, and everyone holding each other accountable really impressed me,” Hill-Green said. And the next moment he was a part of Kane Wommack’s 4-2-5 defensive system. “It’s a good scheme because it allows us to play fast and creates matchup problems for offenses. Overall, the scheme will enhance my skills and show my versatility.” So, the scheme makes Nikhai much better and harder to deal with.
Now, with Nikhai heading towards his final year of eligibility, it’s no surprise that Touchdown Alabama Magazine’s Instagram channel is already declaring, “Colorado transfer LB Nikhai Hill-Green to serve as a perfect rotation piece for Alabama’s defense this coming season.”
Last season at Colorado, playing in a 4-3 scheme, Hill-Green was extremely productive, finishing the season with 82 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and two interceptions. Joining Alabama’s defense, this linebacker will have more opportunities to excel, potentially becoming a game-changer for the team and a top NFL Draft pick next year. Colorado’s defense once revolved around Hill-Green, their ‘green dot’ communicator relaying calls from DC Robert Livingston.
This guy rarely blitzed, preferring zone coverage, where he read QBs and controlled the middle. Think field general, all business, no flash. He’s a classic downhill linebacker; no fancy footwork, just straight-ahead power through contact. He consistently hammers offensive linemen in the A or B gaps, disrupting plays even when not making the tackle. Now at Alabama, he may compete with Deontae Lawson for playing time under Kalen DeBoer (with Jihaad Campbell in the NFL), but don’t underestimate him—he excels at the dirty work.
Despite some flaws, he’s a solid player. His tackling is powerful, but his technique needs refinement; he sometimes holds onto blocks too long. He’s a hard worker but lacks elite speed. However, Coach Wommack doesn’t need a sideline-to-sideline star. He needs a powerful, short-yardage back, and Hill-Green fits the bill like a glove. “For us, having that experience with a group of guys with a lot of reps that we’re losing, a lot of mental reps, I think him and his experience is gonna be critical for us moving forward,” Wommack said.
This will be Nikhai Hill-Green’s fourth college, and his record speaks for itself. After starting at Michigan, where he tallied 50 tackles as a sophomore in 2021, a 2022 injury sidelined him. He rebounded with 73 tackles at Charlotte in 2023, culminating in his best season at Colorado. He brings veteran grit to Tuscaloosa, and if anyone still doubts his caliber, they haven’t been paying attention to his extraordinary skills. But he might not be the only playmaker making big moves under Kalen DeBoer’s system…
Kalen DeBoer gets a massive recruiting advancement
USC’s top-ranked 2026 recruiting class suffered a major blow when five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin decommitted, citing the Trojans’ strict no-visit policy. New general manager Chad Bowden, who arrived after Griffin’s commitment, implemented the policy, forbidding players already pledged to USC from visiting other schools. This hardline approach cost USC its highest-profile recruit.
Griffin, who committed last summer under the previous coaching staff, found himself in a tricky situation after Matt Entz left for Fresno State and Rob Ryan took over as linebackers coach. His desire to explore other options clashed with Bowden’s inflexible policy. While Bowden aims to secure early commitments, this strategy risks alienating recruits, but his bold take made Kalen DeBoer and his staff’s lives easy. But how?
Xavier Griffin sent recruiting into a frenzy Wednesday, reopening his recruitment and decommitting from USC. He’ll take four official visits in the coming month, including stops at Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, and Florida State. This sets up a major recruiting battle among college football giants for his exceptional talent. Losing a player like Griffin is a big blow. Ranked No. 22 nationally and No. 2 among linebackers in the 2026 class by the 247Sports Composite, Griffin is also Georgia’s No. 2 prospect, starring at Gainesville High School.
Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class has five commitments, three of whom are from Georgia, including four-star edge rusher Jamarion Matthews, Griffin’s Gainesville teammate. This connection may affect Griffin’s choice as he considers his options. The question now is whether Kalen DeBoer can use it in his favor or not!
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