Former USC defensive lineman Devan Thompkins has committed to transfer to Alabama, according to multiple reports.
Thompkins was in Tuscaloosa this week for a visit and pulled the trigger shortly after. He spent 4 seasons at USC and comes to Alabama with 1 left to play.
A 6-foot-5, 285-pound lineman, Thompkins signed with the Trojans as a 3-star recruit in the 2022 class. He took a redshirt in his first year on campus, appearing in just 1 game. He saw time in just 2 games the following season.
In 2024, Thompkins broke out as a contributor along the line. He played in 13 games and made 6 starts, ending the year with 23 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 3 pass breakups.
Thompkins started all 12 regular-season games for USC in 2025. He produced 31 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. He also had 22 quarterback pressures and 19 stops, which ranked third and fourth, respectively, among USC’s defenders.
Retooling the defensive line has been a major point of emphasis for coach Kalen DeBoer in the 2026 recruiting cycle. The Tide signed 5-star freshman edge Xavier Griffin as part of the second-ranked high school class. Thompkins is the first defensive line transfer addition.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
