Report: Deion Sanders, Colorado Lose Nikhai Hill-Green to Alabama in Transfer Portal

Former Colorado linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green committed to Alabama on Saturday, according to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz.

Hill-Green initially entered the transfer portal on Monday. He'll have one year of eligibility remaining with the Crimson Tide.

He started his college career with Michigan in 2020, transferring to Charlotte ahead of the 2023 season and staying with the team for one year before joining head coach Deion Sanders' program prior to the Buffaloes' 2024 campaign.

His latest move doesn't come as a large shock, with Pete Nakos of On3.com reporting on Tuesday that the linebacker was set to visit Alabama.

Hill-Green was also high school teammates with Crimson Tide defensive backs Keon Sabb and Kameron Howard, acknowledging that he's kept up with them throughout the year.

"We always talk," Hill-Green said, via 247Sports' Brett Greenberg. "I've been checking on them all season."

He served as a key piece of the Buffaloes' defensive turnaround in 2024, earning All-Big 12 Second Team recognition. Hill-Green finished with 82 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four passes defensed, two sacks and two interceptions.

The Buffaloes' linebackers will look vastly different in 2025, as Trevor Woods also made the decision to enter the portal on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Hill-Green should immediately provide a boost to Alabama's defense next season. Head coach Kalen DeBoer's program ranks No. 14 in the country in the latest transfer class rankings from 247Sports.

Hill-Green becomes the latest defensive addition to a transfer class that also includes former Florida defensive lineman Kelby Collins as well as former Utah cornerback Cameron Calhoun.