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.

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.

Alabama transfer linebacker Justin Okoronkwo signed with South Carolina, joining Florida State linebacker Shawn Murphy as the second transfer linebacker to commit to the Gamecocks this offseason. South Carolina announced his signing shortly after his commitment announcement.