Alabama football is not done adding to its 2026 roster.

Khalifa Keith, a Birmingham native who has played both at Appalachian State and Tennessee, is transferring to Alabama, per multiple reports.

Keith is the 17th transfer Alabama has landed, joining offensive players like former NC State wide receiver Noah Rogers, former Texas offensive lineman Nick Brooks and former Michigan offensive linemen Ty Haywood and Kaden Strayhorn.

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Khalifa Keith stats

Keith, a former Parker High School back, has not found much success at the collegiate level.

In three seasons split between Tennessee and Appalachian State, Keith has 34 carries for 129 yards and one touchdown: a 1-yard touchdown run against Chattanooga with the Volunteers in 2024.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound back played eight snaps in three games for Appalachian State in 2025, per Pro Football Focus.

Khalifa Keith eligibility

Keith has two seasons of eligibility remaining for Alabama football.

What Khalifa Keith brings to Alabama football

Khalifa brings depth and experience for a room looking to take a step forward in 2026.

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Alabama had one of the worst run games in program history in 2025, averaging 104.13 yards per game and 3.35 yards per carry. Much of that room − Kevin Riley, Daniel Hill and AK Dear − is returning in 2026 along with five-star freshman Ezavier Crowell, one of the most heralded in-state running back prospects in recent memory.

But Keith gives Alabama a similar piece that in had in its transfer portal acquisition a season ago: Louisiana back Dre Washington. Washington didn’t provide much on-field production, recording 34 snaps across five games in 2025.

Keith hasn’t had much experience to warrant starting reps. But he gives Alabama another body to work with as players like Crowell and Trae’shawn Brown develop into legitimate options.

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: What Khalifa Keith brings to Alabama football running backs room