Alabama’s Wolf linebacker Qua Russaw has officially entered the transfer portal, following a challenging season that saw him sidelined due to injury. The departure was first reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. During the 2025 season, Russaw, a redshirt sophomore, recorded 14 total tackles and one sack.
His season took a turn when he suffered a broken foot in the first half of a critical game against Georgia on September 27, just days after fellow linebacker Jah-Marien Latham was ruled out for the season due to a neck injury. Russaw’s return to the field didn’t occur until November 22 against Eastern Illinois, but by that time, he had lost his starting position to Yhonzae Pierre, who emerged as a standout player, finishing the season with an impressive eight sacks.
Despite his later return to action, Russaw only logged four combined tackles in the two games he played during the College Football Playoff. Notably, both Russaw and Pierre had different trajectories with Pierre stepping up significantly in Russaw’s absence, a fact acknowledged by defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, who praised Pierre’s development in November.
Russaw, previously a five-star recruit, made an impact during his time on the team, recording 36 tackles in his appearances. His injury struggles this past season followed a redshirt year for the 2023-24 season, during Nick Saban’s last year as head coach. The coaching staff had initially anticipated a quicker recovery from Russaw’s injury, indicating his potential as a key player due to his remarkable athletic abilities, as highlighted by Wommack.
With Russaw’s departure, he joins redshirt freshman Noah Carter, who has also decided to leave the program after tallying nine tackles in the 2025 season. Both players made their Crimson Tide debuts in 2024, showcasing the challenges the team faces in maintaining depth at the linebacker position.
As the Crimson Tide prepares for future challenges, the transition could provide new opportunities for emerging talents within the squad, maintaining the program’s competitive edge in the coming seasons.