Alabama Lands Mercer DB Carmelo O'Neal From Transfer Portal
The 6-foot-4 defender is expected to move to cornerback at Alabama with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Overview
- O'Neal told On3 he will transfer to the Crimson Tide for 2026 after a Jan. 8 visit, with prior interest from Cal, Auburn, LSU and Kentucky.
- The Mercer starter posted 38 tackles, nine pass breakups, a sack and an interception in 2025 after appearing in 11 games as a freshman in 2024.
- He logged 75 snaps against Alabama in 2025, making three tackles and allowing no catches on two targets, per the report.
- Listed at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, he was recruited as a safety but is slated for cornerback in Tuscaloosa.
- He joins a defensive-leaning transfer class that includes USC lineman Devan Thompkins and Virginia Tech linebacker Caleb Woodson as Alabama seeks cornerback depth following Cam Calhoun’s exit.