Justin Okoronkwo Speaks Out on Leaving Alabama for SEC Rival South Carolina
Former Alabama linebacker Justin Okoronkwo made headlines this offseason by transferring to SEC rival South Carolina after just one season with the Crimson Tide. The move raised eyebrows, especially since South Carolina is slated to face Alabama in the 2025 season. Okoronkwo recently opened up about his decision, offering insight into why he felt a change was necessary.
Okoronkwo, originally from Germany, is still in the early stages of his football career. Before pursuing football, he excelled in gymnastics and soccer, only transitioning to the gridiron in recent years. Despite being a latecomer to the sport, his athleticism quickly garnered attention from U.S. college programs. Ranked as Europe’s top high school football prospect, Okoronkwo signed with Alabama as part of the 2024 recruiting class.
However, his arrival in Tuscaloosa was marked by turbulence. Just three weeks after he joined the team, Alabama’s head coach left, throwing the program into a state of transition. Despite the unexpected coaching change, Okoronkwo decided to stick it out for his freshman season, appearing in 12 games as a reserve and special teamer, where he recorded 13 tackles.
While Okoronkwo showed promise, he struggled to find a clear path to more playing time. Alabama’s linebacker corps remains stacked, with experienced players like Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson announcing their returns for another season. The team also added depth by signing Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill-Green. Seeing limited opportunities for advancement, Okoronkwo entered the transfer portal after his freshman year.
Speaking to The State Newspaper, Okoronkwo explained his reasoning. “I felt like the starting spots were already gone, and, I mean, it’s hard to compete—especially at a place like Bama—with guys who are more experienced than you,” he admitted.
The move to South Carolina appears to be a strategic one. The Gamecocks are in need of linebackers after losing two starters from their 2024 roster. With more snaps likely available, Okoronkwo has a clearer path to significant playing time.
While Okoronkwo’s decision is understandable, it sparked criticism from some observers who questioned whether he was avoiding competition rather than embracing it. Critics argue that the transfer portal has created a culture where players prioritize immediate playing time over long-term development, bypassing the patience required to earn a starting role at elite programs like Alabama.
Supporters of the transfer portal, however, point out that it gives players like Okoronkwo the opportunity to find situations better suited to their growth. In Okoronkwo’s case, the move to South Carolina could provide the perfect platform for him to showcase his skills and develop further.
As Okoronkwo begins the next chapter of his career, all eyes will be on his performance at South Carolina. The upcoming 2025 season, particularly the matchup against Alabama, promises to be a proving ground for the young linebacker. Whether his decision to leave the Crimson Tide pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Justin Okoronkwo is determined to make his mark in the SEC.
