Alabama football cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe confirmed his departure from the Crimson Tide through the transfer portal on Monday. Mbakwe made it clear in the caption of his post what may have motivated the decision to leave Tuscaloosa after one season.

“I love my Bama family,” Mbakwe said in the caption of his Instagram post. “Business decision.”

Mbakwe came to Alabama as a five-star prospect from Clay-Chalkville in the 2024 recruiting class. During his only season with the Tide, he contributed 15 tackles and one interception.

He also became one of the faces of Alabama’s young player group, co-hosting a podcast with fellow five-star freshman Ryan Williams. Mbakwe’s Monday post included a statement noting how much he enjoyed playing for the Tide.

“This was not an easy decision,” Mbakwe said in the statement. “But I believe it is the best state for my personal and professional development and the future I am working towards for myself and my family.”

He also thanked the coaches and others involved in the UA program.

“I want to thank Coach (Kalen) DeBoer and Coach (Freddie) Roach for believing in me and giving me the chance to prove myself,” Mbakwe said. “Your guidance and encouragement shaped me in ways I cannot fully describe.

“To my teammates, your support, mentorship and brotherhood made every moment meaningful and I will always cherish the bonds we created. For the Crimson Tide, your passion and loyalty have been a constant source of inspiration. I am grateful for each and every one of you.”

Mbakwe was the third Alabama defensive lineman to enter the portal during the current undergraduate admissions window, which began Dec. 9. The transfer portal remains open until December 28th.

Alabama has one game left in the 2024 season, against Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The game is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. CT in Tampa on December 31 and will be broadcast on ESPN.