Alabama star safety Caleb Downs plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to multiple reports.

One of the outlets reporting Downs’ decision is Deuce Recruiting, operated by Downs’ father Gary, a former NFL running back and longtime college assistant coach.

Downs was a freshman All-American and first-team All-SEC pick in 2023 and won the Shaun Alexander Award as national freshman of the year. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Downs’ status with Alabama has been speculated about since Nick Saban retired a week ago, and particularly since former Crimson Tide secondary coach Travaris Robinson left to become co-defensive coordinator at Georgia on Saturday. Retaining Downs, who grew up near Athens, Ga., has been considered a priority for new head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff.

Downs (6-foot, 203 pounds) led the Crimson Tide with 107 tackles in 2023, becoming the first true freshman to lead the team in that category since at least 1970. He added 3.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, while also returning a punt 85 yards for a touchdown against Chattanooga.