Justin Okoronkwo, a linebacker who played for Alabama as a true freshman during the 2024 season, has committed to coach Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks, he announced on social media Friday. “New Home !!!” he wrote in a post that included an edited photo of him wearing a South Carolina jersey.

For the fifth time since it opened, Alabama football has lost a linebacker, this time Justin Okoronkwo, to the transfer portal.

Mark Sears finished with 22 points and six assists to lead No. 5 Alabama to an 88-68 victory over host South Carolina on Wednesday night in the Southeastern Conference matchup in Columbia, S.C.

No. 5 Alabama men's basketball cruised by South Carolina 88-68 on Wednesday evening. This was the Crimson Tide's first SEC road test of the season and it passed with flying colors. The Crimson Tide got out to a massive lead early and never looked back due to stellar performances on both ends of the floor.

On Friday morning, Alabama transfer linebacker Justin Okoronkwo announced a commitment to South Carolina, joining Florida State linebacker Shawn Murphy as the second transfer linebacker to commit to the Gamecocks this offseason. A native of Munich, Germany, Okoronkwo signed with Alabama as a three-star prospect in December 2023.

Aden Holloway added 13 points for the Crimson Tide (13-2, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) in their 10th straight victory over the Gamecocks (10-5, 0-2).

The Crimson Tide kept pace with the other contenders with a win in Columbia on The Joe Gaither Show | Episode 349: Jan. 9, 2025.