Jehiem Oatis releases statement after deciding to transfer from Alabama football

Jehiem Oatis released a statement Monday after his decision became known that he will redshirt the rest of the season and enter the transfer portal in December.

“To the University of Alabama, my teammates, coaches, fans, and everyone who has been part of my journey on campus,” Oatis wrote. “It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to take a redshirt and enter the transfer portal in December.

“This decision did not come easily, but I need to prioritize my future and career. While this season did not unfold the way we had hoped, my love for this school and its incredible fan base remains as strong as ever. I am deeply grateful for the memories and experiences that have shaped me here, and I will carry them with me for the rest of my life.

“As I look forward to the next chapter, I am excited to find a new home where I can bring my NFL-caliber play and help my future team compete for championships.

“At this time all communication will go through my representatives at Young Money APAA Sports, Adie Von Gontard and Noah Reisenfeld. Please respect my decision, and thank you all for your support. God bless.”

Oatis had seen a reduced role under the new Alabama coaching staff. He was a top-four snap recipient on the defensive line the past two seasons. That changed this season with several defensive linemen playing ahead of him. Oatis didn’t play against Vanderbilt, so he can maintain his redshirt this season after appearing only in four games.

Oatis is a junior defensive lineman from Columbia, Mississippi. He tallied 29 tackles and one sack as a freshman in 2022. He then had 26 tackles and 0.5 sacks as a sophomore. This season, Oatis tallied two tackles.

“Felt like it was going that way,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said of Oatis’ decision to redshirt and transfer. “I think the thing you also have to understand is there’s other elements to this, right. There’s health elements. There’s life elements. I love these guys. They work hard. Jehiem’s choices and things -- there’s reasons for that. Right? He notified and has notified, and continued to be in communication here with us. Kind of felt like it was maybe going that direction. Not just today, or yesterday, or here in the last few days.”

Before the Vanderbilt game, Oatis was seventh among Crimson Tide defensive linemen in snaps this season with LT Overton, Jah-Marien Latham, Tim Smith, Tim Keenan III, James Smith and Damon Payne Jr. all ahead of him in snaps.

"We move forward with the guys that really are able to help us win and focused on our program,” DeBoer said. “As we go through this, I don’t want to put finality to it, but you’re always going to want what’s best for all people, and Jehiem’s one of them.”