Jehiem Oatis’ recent decision to transfer from Alabama to Colorado has generated significant buzz in the college football community. The move is particularly notable given the history and stature of both Power 5 programs. While Alabama and Colorado both finished the 2024 season with a 9-3 record and neither is eligible for the College Football Playoff, the reasons behind Oatis’ transfer remain unclear to some. Nevertheless, it is widely seen as a major win for Colorado and head coach Deion Sanders, who continues to draw top talent to the program.
The news broke on December 17 when Hayes Fawcett of On3 announced on social media that Jehiem Oatis, a former Alabama defensive lineman, had committed to Colorado. Oatis, a four-star recruit from the class of 2022, was ranked as the 11th-best defensive lineman nationally according to On3 Industry Rankings. After three seasons with Alabama, Oatis entered the transfer portal back in October, citing a desire to prioritize his future and NFL aspirations. In his announcement, he expressed excitement about finding a program where he could deliver “NFL-caliber play” and help his team compete for championships.
BREAKING: Alabama transfer DL Jeheim Oatis has committed to Colorado, per @Hayesfawcett3🦬https://t.co/tUS0eBkkec pic.twitter.com/idoxD0Sjdt
— On3 (@On3sports) December 17, 2024
The move, however, has sparked mixed reactions among college football fans. As a freshman in 2022, Oatis made an immediate impact at Alabama, starting 10 games and earning a spot on the Freshman All-SEC team. Standing at 6’5” and 325 pounds, he showcased a rare blend of size and athleticism, quickly becoming a key part of Alabama’s defensive line rotation. His potential caught the attention of NFL scouts early on, but injuries in 2024 limited his playing time to just four games. Despite his reduced performance—finishing the season with two tackles, a quarterback hurry, and a pass breakup—Oatis remains a player with high upside.
While some fans have criticized his decision, calling it a “downgrade” from Alabama to Colorado, others have pointed out the influence of Deion Sanders in this transfer. Coach Prime has built a strong brand at Colorado, attracting elite talent and media attention alike. However, speculation surrounding Sanders’ future has fueled debate. Rumors suggest that Sanders could leave the program, especially with his sons heading to the NFL. One fan commented sarcastically, “He’ll transfer next year when Deion leaves,” while another questioned whether Oatis’ decision was financially motivated, saying, “Hope he can stretch whatever bag Deion is giving him.”
For Alabama, the loss of a talented defensive lineman like Oatis represents a significant blow. Some fans have suggested that the transfer reflects a decline in Alabama’s dominance, with one remarking, “Damn, the mighty have fallen,” and another predicting, “Bama’s gonna be down bad next year.” Meanwhile, Colorado fans are optimistic about the addition, with one supporter confidently declaring, “Colorado gonna wreck the Big 12.”
Ultimately, Jehiem Oatis’ move to Colorado highlights the evolving dynamics of college football, where players are increasingly prioritizing individual growth and NFL prospects over program prestige. Whether Oatis made the right choice remains to be seen, but his decision has undoubtedly sparked a heated debate among fans. For now, all eyes will be on how well he performs under Deion Sanders’ leadership and whether this move will help him achieve his NFL ambitions.