South Alabama on Thursday picked up a transfer portal commitment from a former in-state standout offensive lineman.

Ethan Hubbard, a Hoover High School graduate, announced that he will join the Jaguars after redshirting as a true freshman last season at Duke. A 3-star recruit in the 2023 signing class, Hubbard has four seasons of eligibility remaining.

The 6-foot-6, 285-pound Hubbard is the Jaguars’ third portal commitment in the 2024 spring cycle, following linebacker Darius McKenzie (Maine) and safety Trent Singleton (Mississippi State). The Jaguars are expected to add several more transfers before summer semester classes begin on May 29.

The Jaguars also recently added former Air Force long snapper commit Grant Rountree — a 2023 All-American Bowl participant — as a preferred walk-on. Travis Drosos, South Alabama’s starting long-snapper the last three seasons, recently transferred to UCLA.

South Alabama lost five offensive linemen to graduation or the transfer portal after the 2023 season, including starting right tackle Adrein Strickland and starting center Reggie Smith. Purdue transfer Malachi Preciado joined the program in December and ended spring practice as the first-team center.

The transfer portal closed for new entries as of May 1, but players already in the portal can commit to and sign with new schools at any time. The Jaguars added Preciado and six other players during the January portal period: tight end Andrew Bench (Bowling Green), wide receiver Noah Toster (Chowan), defensive lineman Bryston Dixon (Georgia Tech), outside linebacker Aakil Washington (Liberty), safety Lardarius Webb Jr. (Oklahoma State) and kicker Laith Marjan (East Carolina).

South Alabama went 7-6 in 2023, winning the 68 Ventures Bowl. The Jaguars open the 2024 season at home Aug. 31 vs. North Texas.