Former Penn State and Alabama safety King Mack has re-entered the NCAA transfer portal, marking his second time in less than a year. According to On3Sports, Mack, a 5-foot-10, 206-pound defender, initially entered the portal last spring, leaving Penn State shortly after the team’s spring practices. His move to Alabama, however, appears to have been less fruitful than anticipated.
In his lone season with the Crimson Tide, Mack saw limited action, appearing in nine games and playing just 106 defensive snaps. His most notable performance came during Alabama’s October 19 loss to Tennessee, where he was on the field for 38 plays—more than a third of his total snaps for the season. Outside of that, his involvement was minimal, with his second-highest snap count being 19 during Alabama’s dominant 63-0 season-opening win over Western Kentucky.
Mack’s transfer decision to leave Penn State may now be in question, given the limited opportunities he found at Alabama. At Penn State, the defensive backfield is often a focal point of development, and Mack’s departure last spring came as a surprise to some. His struggles to carve out a consistent role in Alabama’s defense highlight the challenges players often face when navigating the transfer portal.
The decision to transfer once again could be an attempt to find a program where Mack can secure more playing time and make a greater impact. As a former highly-touted recruit, he has the potential to add value to the right team. With two Power Five programs already on his résumé, Mack’s next destination will likely be a critical choice for his collegiate and potential professional football future.
