Report: Alabama's Seth McLaughlin to Enter Transfer Portal After CFP Loss to Michigan

It seems like Seth McLaughlin's final snap with Alabama will be one he'd like to forget.

Nick Kelly of the Tuscaloosa News reported the Crimson Tide center is expected to enter the transfer portal following the team's College Football Playoff loss to Michigan. He struggled throughout the most recent game, including when he delivered a low snap to quarterback Jalen Milroe on the last play of overtime.

Milroe took the snap and attempted to run it in on fourth down, but Michigan's defense had already positioned itself well by that point and stopped the play.

McLaughlin arrived at Alabama as part of the 2020 recruiting class and had to step into the Iron Bowl against Auburn and play in the 2021 SEC Championship Game against Georgia. He then started eight games in 2022 before starting all season in 2023.

"McLaughlin didn't have snapping issues his first two seasons," Kelly wrote. "Then in 2023, snapping was not consistent. Communication and timing between the center and quarterback, a vital relationship in loud SEC stadiums especially, seemed to be an issue at times."

The final play against Michigan stood out in the aftermath, but he also had two troubling snaps that stalled a drive in the third quarter.

While McLaughlin will surely want to forget the game against the Wolverines and some of the most recent campaign, he impressed earlier in his career to the point he was on the Rimington Trophy watch list entering the 2023 season.

He also has plenty of big-game experience from his time with the Crimson Tide, so teams looking to compete at the highest level in need of a center can take solace knowing he would surely be comfortable stepping into a starting role in important moments.