Throughout the week of the ReliaQuest Bowl, Alabama football’s Jaylen Mbakwe has appeared in a new role. On Monday, Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer said the freshman’s move to wide receiver is likely to stick moving forward.

DeBoer was asked about the change Monday during a coaches press conference ahead of Tuesday’s bowl.

“I think you’ll see us continue to move in this direction with him,” DeBoer said. “He’s really been focused on the offensive side, really all of bowl prep. It was natural, No. 1 because of numbers, but No. 2, just because I think of what he can do as a football player.”

Mbakwe announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal once it opened following the end of the regular season, describing the move as a “business decision” in a social media post. However, less than 24 hours later, he changed his mind and decided to return to Alabama.

Before joining the Crimson Tide as a five-star prospect, he played on both sides of the ball for Clay-Chalkville. He contributed an interception and 15 tackles as a corner for UA in 2024, and also returned punts.

“He’s certainly got the skill set,” DeBoer said. “Really excited about what he can do for us there at that position. He’s got the speed. He’s had the ball in his hands all through high school, running the offense there at that level, and then we’ve used him in the punt return game, the return games, so we’re really comfortable with what he can bring to the table. Now it’s just learning the position, learn the offense.”

Besides Mbakwe, Alabama is down to four scholarship receivers for Tuesday’s game, due to transfer portal entries and injuries. Those include Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, Jaren Hamilton and Rico Scott.

Alabama and Michigan are scheduled to kick off the ReliaQuest Bowl at 11 a.m. CT Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The game will be aired on ESPN.