Keanu Koht, one of the first players from the Alabama Crimson Tide to declare his intentions to enter the NCAA transfer portal for the 2024-2025 cycle, has officially made his decision. The
former edge rusher has committed to the Vanderbilt Commodores, marking a significant step in his football career. Koht’s decision to
transfer was announced back in mid-November, and he has now found a new home in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
A former four-star prospect, Koht came to Alabama with high expectations but had a relatively quiet career in Tuscaloosa. Throughout
his time with the Crimson Tide, Koht saw limited playing time, making only a modest impact on the field. Over his career, he accumulated nine total tackles, three tackles for loss (TFL), 0.5
sacks, and a fumble recovery. While his role was somewhat diminished, Koht’s potential as a pass rusher was still evident when he had the opportunity to take the field.
In the 2024 season, Koht appeared in seven games for Alabama. His numbers for that year included five tackles, one TFL, 0.5 sacks, and a
forced fumble. While these statistics may not stand out compared to other players in the Crimson Tide’s defensive rotation, they still demonstrate his ability to contribute when
called upon. Koht’s time at Alabama was marked by flashes of talent, but he never seemed to fully crack the starting lineup or take on a prominent role.
Despite the limited opportunities at Alabama, Koht’s decision to transfer to Vanderbilt is seen as a fresh start and an opportunity to play a larger role at the SEC level. The Commodores will
look to utilize Koht’s skills in their defensive scheme, and the move gives him a chance to showcase his abilities on a more consistent
basis. Vanderbilt has struggled in recent years but has shown signs of improvement, and Koht will be a key piece in their efforts to elevate the program.
As part of his commitment to Vanderbilt, Koht will also have the chance to return to Tuscaloosa in 2025, when the Commodores are
scheduled to face Alabama. This game will be an interesting storyline for Koht, who will likely be motivated to prove himself against his former
team. The exact date of the game has not yet been determined, but it will certainly be a highly anticipated matchup for both Koht and the Alabama fanbase.
Koht’s transfer marks an important milestone for Alabama’s 2024 transfer portal class, as he is the first player to announce his destination for
the upcoming 2025 season. The Crimson Tide has seen several players enter the portal, but Koht’s decision to move to Vanderbilt provides a
sense of closure for one of the early portal entries. His commitment to another SEC school highlights the competitive nature of the transfer portal, as players move within the conference in search of greater opportunities.
Overall, Koht’s move to Vanderbilt is an exciting development for both him and the Commodores. As he prepares for the next
chapter of his college football career, Koht will look to make the most of his time at Vanderbilt and prove that he can be a major contributor at the SEC level. His journey serves as a reminder of
the ever-changing landscape of college football, where players continually seek new opportunities to advance their careers.