The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball program will look noticeably different next season as starting power forward Jarin Stevenson has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. The move, reported by multiple outlets including The Athletic’s Tobias Bass, comes on the heels of Alabama’s impressive Elite Eight run during the 2024-25 season.

Stevenson, a 6-foot-11 forward and former four-star recruit, played a vital role in Alabama’s frontcourt over the past two seasons. After reclassifying to join the Crimson Tide early, he quickly grew into a dependable presence in Nate Oats’ high-octane system. This past season, Stevenson started 22 games and averaged 5.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and shot 42.9% from the field, including 30.7% from three-point range.

Although his stats may not leap off the page, the North Carolina native showed clear signs of development, especially in conference play. His breakout moment came in a dominant 103–80 win over Texas, where he poured in a career-high 22 points. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions made him a valuable asset on both ends.

Stevenson’s departure is a blow to Alabama’s depth and continuity. His exit follows the transfers of teammates Naas Cunningham and Mouhamed Dioubate, leaving Coach Oats with key holes to fill ahead of the 2025-26 season. Stevenson’s transfer portal profile reportedly includes a “do not contact” tag, suggesting that he may already have a destination in mind, possibly one closer to home or within a system better suited to expand his offensive role.

This is not the first time Stevenson has played a key part in Alabama’s postseason success. As a freshman during the 2024 NCAA Tournament, he scored 19 points in the Elite Eight against Clemson, helping Alabama reach its first-ever Final Four.

With his unique combination of size, skill, and mobility, Stevenson is likely to draw interest from major programs around the country—though his next stop remains unknown for now. For Alabama, his departure adds urgency to their offseason recruiting and portal strategy, as the team looks to maintain its status as a national contender.

As the college basketball landscape continues to shift with rapid roster turnover, Alabama finds itself at a critical juncture—and Stevenson’s decision only underscores that challenge.