Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

Former Tennessee football running back Khalifa Keith is returning to the SEC. After spending two seasons with the Vols, he transferred to Appalachian State this past season. Now, he’s committed to Alabama, according to a report from On3.

Keith played in 16 games over two seasons with Tennessee. In that time, he recorded 32 carries for 124 yards and one touchdown. In 2024, he posted 21 carries for 100 yards.

At App State, Keith was not much of a factor. On the year, he was only responsible for eight yards on three carries. This came over the course of six games.

As a high school recruit, Keith was considered a three-star by On3, 247Sports and Rivals and a four-star by ESPN. He is from Birmingham, Alabama, and played for Parker High School.

He will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Tide.

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Tennessee’s running back room next season will be led by DeSean Bishop. He was in the same class as Keith and Cameron Seldon, but even though he joined as a walk-on, is the last one standing with the Vols.

A year ago, Bishop recorded 1,076 yards and 16 touchdowns on 182 attempts in 13 games. The Knoxville native returns as the projected feature back with two more years of eligibility himself.

Bishop will be joined by a trio of younger options, as well. Tennessee brings in rising sophomore Javin Gordon from Tulane, who will complement second-year backs Daune Morris and Justin Baker.

UT is losing both of its backups behind Bishop a year ago, though. Star Thomas is out of eligibility after his only year at UT and is turning pro. He played in the Senior Bowl in Mobile earlier on Saturday. Peyton Lewis entered the portal and committed to Virginia.