The January transfer portal has been a busy time for college football teams, with coaches and players alike looking to make moves and improve their rosters for the upcoming season. For the University of Alabama, this was no different. Head coach Kalen DeBoer had his sights set on fixing a position that had plagued his offense throughout the 2025 season – the run game.
Despite their wins over ranked opponents, the Crimson Tide’s run game never seemed to get going. Injuries played a part in this struggle, but it was clear that a change was needed. And that change came in the form of former NC State running back, Hollywood Smothers.
Smothers’ commitment to Alabama on January 5 was met with excitement and anticipation from fans and coaches alike. With his impressive stats and skillset, it seemed like he would be the perfect addition to the Tide’s offense. However, just a few days later, Smothers abruptly flipped his commitment and announced that he would be joining the University of Texas instead.
This sudden change of heart from Smothers has left many questioning the reasons behind his decision. And it seems that the running back himself has shed some light on the matter, throwing some shade at his former coach, Kalen DeBoer, in the process.
In a recent interview, Smothers stated that one of the main reasons for his decision to flip was because he didn’t feel like he would have a significant role in Alabama’s offense. He went on to say that he was looking for a team where he could be the “main guy” and have a chance to showcase his talents.
This statement from Smothers seems to be a direct dig at DeBoer and his coaching style. It suggests that the running back didn’t have confidence in DeBoer’s ability to utilize him effectively in the offense. And while this may come as a surprise to some, it’s not entirely unfounded.
During his time at Fresno State, DeBoer’s offense was known for its heavy reliance on the passing game. This was evident in the 2025 season at Alabama, where the run game took a backseat to the passing attack. And it seems that Smothers didn’t want to be a part of an offense that didn’t prioritize the run game.
But despite Smothers’ comments, it’s important to note that DeBoer has a track record of success when it comes to developing running backs. At Fresno State, he helped produce two 1,000-yard rushers in just two seasons. And at Alabama, he has a talented group of running backs, including Brian Robinson Jr. and Trey Sanders, who have shown their potential in limited playing time.
It’s also worth mentioning that Smothers’ decision to flip his commitment may have been influenced by the recent departure of Alabama’s offensive coordinator, Bill O’Brien. With a new offensive coordinator coming in, Smothers may have felt uncertain about his role in the offense and decided to make a change.
But regardless of the reasons behind Smothers’ decision, it’s clear that DeBoer and the Crimson Tide will move on and continue to build a strong and successful team. And while Smothers may have thrown some shade at his former coach, it’s important to remember that this is just one player’s opinion and does not reflect the overall success and potential of the Alabama football program.
In the end, it’s all about finding the right fit for both the player and the team. And for Smothers, that fit seems to be at the University of Texas. But for Alabama, the search for a strong and effective run game continues, and with DeBoer at the helm, it’s only a matter of time before they find the perfect fit.
