Smothers began his faculty profession at Oklahoma however turned an ACC star at NC State. Justin Casterline / Getty Photos
Alabama’s struggling operating sport acquired a serious enhance on Monday night time as former NC State operating again Hollywood Smothers, one of many high out there gamers within the switch portal, introduced that he has dedicated to the Crimson Tide.
The addition of Smothers ought to assist handle what turned a key situation for the Tide all through the 2025 season. The Crimson Tide ranked one hundred and twenty fifth out of 136 Soccer Bowl Subdivision groups in dashing yards per sport (104.1) and 126th in yards per rush (3.35).
The run sport deficiencies have been most obtrusive on the finish of the season, when Alabama failed to achieve 30 dashing yards in any of its ultimate three video games. The Tide went 1-2 in that stretch, dropping to Georgia 28-7 within the SEC title sport and to Indiana 38-3 within the Faculty Soccer Playoff quarterfinal on the Rose Bowl.
Smothers, ranked as The Athletic’s No. 1 operating again within the portal, was a first-team All-ACC choice in 2025. In 11 video games, Smothers rushed for 939 yards and 6 touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per rush. He was additionally a weapon within the passing sport, catching 37 passes for 189 yards and a rating. He averaged 85.3 dashing yards per sport, tops amongst ACC operating backs.
Alabama made operating again a precedence when the switch portal opened, seeking to get a confirmed again who might assist energy its run sport in 2026, and Smothers ought to fill that want. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Smothers is a former four-star recruit who began his profession at Oklahoma earlier than transferring to NC State earlier than the 2024 season. Smothers has two years of eligibility remaining.
