Justin Okoronkwo only spent one season with Alabama football. Then he decided to go elsewhere for a different opportunity.

The promising young linebacker transferred to South Carolina after the 2024 season. Okoronkwo entered the transfer portal right before the deadline.

The timeline is notable because he did so right after inside linebackers Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson announced they would return for one more season.

Okoronkwo spoke with The State in South Carolina about his decision, among other topics.

“I felt like the starting spots were already gone,” Okoronkwo told The State, “and, I mean, it’s hard to compete — especially at a place like Bama — with guys who are more experienced than you.”

In addition to returning both Lawson and Jefferson, Alabama also secured Colorado linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green. That’s a crowded room, even with 2024 starter Jihaad Campbell declaring for the NFL Draft.

So, Okoronkwo looked elsewhere and landed with the Gamecocks, where they must replace two starters at linebacker in 2025. He told The State that the strength staff also stood out to him.

“(It’s) very impressive, especially compared to Bama,” Okoronkwo said. “What they are doing there, I really like because it’s way more related to the game. Like what drills they do and what lifts they do. That really stood out to me.”

Okoronkwo saw 39 defensive snaps in 2024, per Pro Football Focus. That included 14 snaps in the Missouri game for the former three-star recruit from Germany.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.