LT Overton became the first player Alabama football added via the transfer portal in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Overton, a 6-foot-5, 265-pound defensive tackle, announced his decision on social media Tuesday afternoon.

He started 12 games across two years at Texas A&M. Overton reclassified as a unanimous five-star in 2022, joining the Aggies’ highest-rated class in recorded history. But like many promising young players, Overton decided to leave College Station following the firing of head coach Jimbo Fisher.

Overton attended Milton (Ga.) High and earned a spot in the rotation as a freshman, recording 31 total tackles and his lone career sack. He appeared in 12 games this fall with 17 total tackles and three quarterback hurries. According to 247Sports rankings, Overton was the 16th highest-rated player in the portal. He should provide immediate depth and veteran presence to Alabama’s defensive front.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban has mentioned his transfer portal strategy is to add starting-caliber pieces to fill in the gaps. Overton fits that mold. Two Tide underclassmen, Anquin Barnes (Colorado) and Isaiah Hastings, opted to enter the transfer portal last week. Key pieces Justin Eboigbe and Tim Smith can both graduate and both edge rushers, Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell, have NFL futures.

Overton was featured on a line with Fadil Diggs, who recently visited Tuscaloosa, and Walter Nolan, who transferred to Ole Miss, in Texas A&M’s aggressive defensive front. Both Overton and Diggs, along with five-star wide receiver Evan Stewart, were three of the top five players in that class meant to signify a new era for A&M football. Instead, their presence will be remembered for triggering a war of words between Saban and Fisher.

“I know the consequence is going to be difficult for the people who are spending tons of money to get players,” Saban said at a showcase event in Birmingham ahead of the 2022 World Games. “You read about it, you know who they are. We were second in recruiting last year. A&M was first. A&M bought every player on their team. Made a deal for name, image and likeness.”

Overton will now operate alongside Jaheim Oatiis, Tim Keenan III, James Smith and others. Alabama has two defensive linemen among high school recruits, Central-Phenix City’s Isaia Faga and Parker’s Jeremiah Beaman.

Alabama continued navigating the transfer portal and early signing day while continuing prep for the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl. Overton will not be eligible to play in the game.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].