5-Star DE Keon Keeley to Transfer from Alabama After Loss, What Are Top Landing Spots?

Following Alabama's disappointing loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, the team is set to lose one of its best players.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Alabama defensive end Keon Keeley is set to enter the transfer portal. Keeley was ranked as a 5-star prospect and the No. 1 edge rusher and No. 2 overall player in the class of 2023 in 247Sports' composite.

Keeley will undoubtedly be one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal this offseason and some of his top landing spots could include Notre Dame, Ohio State and Miami.

Before committing to Alabama, Keeley took visits to Notre Dame and Ohio State during his recruitment. He's a Tampa, Florida, native, putting Miami in play if he chooses to return closer to home.

Keeley was limited to seven appearances in 2025, but he was productive in his brief time on the field, finishing the year with 13 total tackles and three sacks. He should have more opportunities to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks at his next destination.

In his evaluation of Keeley when he was coming out of high school, 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote that he "should be viewed as a future impact player on Saturdays and someone that will make a lot of money on Sundays if he can keep progressing. Pro-like mindset and ability to flip a switch once the lights come on is hard to find these days."

The team that lands Keeley will certainly be hoping that he can reach his full potential when he arrives for the 2026 season and beyond.