Tide Tight End Ty Lockwood Expected to Transfer to Boston College
As Alabama football reshapes under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, roster turnover remains a central storyline — and one former top recruit is reportedly on his way out. Tight end Ty Lockwood, once a four-star prospect, is expected to transfer to Boston College, where he would reunite with former Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.
Lockwood, who signed with Alabama as part of the 2023 recruiting class, entered the program with high expectations. A versatile pass-catching tight end out of Tennessee, he initially committed to Ohio State before flipping to Alabama — drawn by the opportunity to develop under Nick Saban and compete in the SEC.
However, in a crowded Alabama tight end room and with a new offensive system coming in under DeBoer, Lockwood saw limited opportunities. His potential remains high, but he appeared buried on the depth chart behind more experienced players like CJ Dippre and Amari Niblack.
Now, a fresh start seems imminent. Bill O’Brien, who now leads Boston College, was instrumental in Lockwood’s recruitment to Alabama and likely views him as an ideal fit in his pro-style offense. At BC, Lockwood could find the playing time and role that eluded him in Tuscaloosa.
This move is not entirely surprising. With transfer portal activity at an all-time high and coaching changes triggering player movement nationwide, Alabama’s 2023 class has already seen several early exits. Still, losing a former blue-chip prospect like Lockwood underscores the challenge of roster management during transition years.
For Lockwood, the move offers a second chance to shine at the Power Five level. For Alabama, it’s a reminder that even top-tier programs face growing pains when adjusting to a new era — even one built on the foundation of greatness.