Former Alabama running back Richard Young has announced his decision to transfer to a school in the Big 12 Conference after three seasons with the Crimson Tide. The 5-foot-11, 212-pound athlete from Lehigh Acres, Florida, made the announcement to On3 on Saturday, marking a significant change in his college football journey.
During his time at Alabama, Young accumulated a total of 59 carries, resulting in 234 yards and five touchdowns. His performance in the 2025 season was marked by a primarily reserve role, where he recorded 23 carries for 64 yards and two touchdowns. Among his career highlights was a notable 62-yard run during Alabama’s victory over Missouri in 2024.
The college transfer portal opened on January 2, 2026, and closed on January 16, 2026. Players can still commit to new schools as long as they submitted the necessary paperwork before the deadline. Young stands out as the only running back to transfer out of Alabama following the 2025 season. This move comes as the eligibility of starting running back Jam Miller and reserve Dre Washington has expired, indicating a shift in the team’s running back lineup for the 2026 season.
The transfer marks a new chapter for Young, who now seeks to make a significant impact at his new institution. Nick Kelly, an Alabama beat writer for AL.com, provides further insights into the dynamic nature of college football transfers. Kelly has been recognized for his work, having been named Alabama Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association in 2024.
As Young prepares for this transition, he joins a landscape of ongoing player movements within college football, reflecting the evolving dynamics of team rosters and player opportunities. With his track record and potential, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he adapts and contributes in the Big 12.
