Redshirt freshman defensive back Kendall Sheffield will indeed transfer from Alabama.

According to Gerry Hamilton of ESPN, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban has given Sheffield his release from the school, although Alabama will not permit him to transfer to another SEC school.

News of Sheffield’s intentions to transfer was originally reported by Touchdown Alabama Tuesday morning. During his Tuesday evening press conference, Saban said he was unaware of Sheffield’s status but would welcome his return to the team.

Coming out of high school, Sheffield was the No. 20 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 4 cornerback in the country and the No. 3 recruit from the state of Texas, according to 247Sports Composite Ratings. The 2015 Under Armour All-American chose the Crimson Tide over offers from Texas A&M, FSU, Ohio State and USC.

While many have speculated Sheffield may wish to join Kirby Smart and Mel Tucker at Georgia, Sheffield will be forced to spend at least one season at the junior college level if he wants to play in Athens thanks to Alabama’s transfer restrictions.

With Sheffield on his way out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama has now lost one five-star (Sheffield), two four-stars (Daylon Charlot, Adonis Thomas) and a three-star (Christian Bell) prospect from its 2015 recruiting class.