Former Alabama Wide Receiver Shazz Preston Set to Reenter Transfer Portal After Breakout Season at Tulane

The ever-churning landscape of college football is set for another intriguing twist. According to a report from Hayes Fawcett of Rivals, former Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Shazz Preston will reenter the NCAA transfer portal when the spring window opens. This move comes on the heels of a true breakout season for Preston at Tulane, reigniting the career of a once-heralded recruit and setting the stage for a high-stakes final chapter in collegiate football.

From Tuscaloosa Sidelines to AAC Standout: The Shazz Preston Journey

Shazz Preston’s path has been a masterclass in patience, development, and seizing opportunity. His story begins as a highly-touted four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, ranked as a Top 100 national player by the 247Sports Composite. His commitment to Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide was seen as a major coup, the next in a long line of elite receivers to develop in Tuscaloosa.

However, in a wide receiver room brimming with NFL talent, playing time proved elusive. Over two seasons at Alabama, Preston appeared in 10 games but failed to record a single reception. Seeking a clearer path to the field, he entered the transfer portal after the 2023 season and landed with the Tulane Green Wave.

His transition wasn’t instantaneous. The 2024 season served as an acclimation period, where he showed flashes with four catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns. But the 2025 campaign was where the script flipped entirely. Preston exploded onto the scene, establishing himself as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the American Athletic Conference.

• 2025 Breakout Stats: 43 receptions, 723 receiving yards, 4 touchdowns across 14 games.
• Impact Plays: Averaged a robust 16.8 yards per catch, demonstrating downfield threat ability.
• Key Contributor: Played a pivotal role in Tulane’s offensive scheme, becoming a trusted target in critical situations.

This resurgence has completely reshaped Preston’s narrative from a buried depth-chart player to a proven, productive commodity.

Expert Analysis: Why Re-Enter the Portal After a Breakout?

The decision to transfer again after a successful season is a fascinating one that speaks to the modern realities of college athletics. From a strategic standpoint, Preston is leveraging his peak value. He is no longer a prospect with “potential”; he is a verified Power-4 ready performer with game tape that proves he can be a primary or secondary option in a high-caliber offense.

Several factors likely influenced this decision:

NFL Draft Aspirations: Preston likely has his sights set on the professional level. For many players in the Group of Five, transferring to a Power-4 conference is seen as a final step to increase visibility against top-tier competition and refine their skills in a pro-style system. A strong season in the SEC, Big Ten, or Big 12 could significantly boost his draft stock.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Opportunities: The financial component cannot be ignored. A 6-foot, 200-pound receiver with his production and pedigree will command significant interest in the NIL market. Programs with robust collective support may present life-changing opportunities that, when combined with athletic goals, create a compelling package.

The “One Last Shot” Mentality: As a player with multiple seasons of eligibility remaining (including a potential COVID year), Preston is in a unique position to choose his final destination carefully. He can seek a program where the scheme, quarterback play, and immediate need at wide receiver align perfectly for one spectacular final season.

Potential Landing Spots and Predictions for Preston’s Next Move

Where might Shazz Preston take his talents? His portal entry will generate considerable buzz. He fits the profile of a “plug-and-play” transfer who can help a contender immediately. Several types of programs will be in the mix:

Power-4 Contenders Needing a WR2: Look for established playoff-chasing teams who lost a key receiver to the NFL and need a seasoned player to complement their returning star. These programs offer the stage, the quarterback, and the competitive environment Preston may seek.

Programs with QB Uncertainty: Schools with a returning star quarterback but unproven wideout corps will see Preston as a stabilizing, high-floor addition. He can be a security blanket and a deep threat for a talented passer.

The Homecoming Narrative: While a return to the SEC is probable, a comeback to the state of Louisiana at an LSU or elsewhere cannot be entirely ruled out, though it would be a complex path.

Prediction: Preston will prioritize a program with established quarterback play and a clear need at outside receiver. He is not a project; he is a solution. I predict he lands at a top-25 program in a major conference, where he will start from day one and target a 800-1,000 yard season to solidify his NFL Draft resume. The combination of his proven production, physical tools, and Alabama/Tulane experience makes him one of the most attractive offensive players likely to be in the portal.

Conclusion: A Testament to Resilience and the Transfer Portal Era

The saga of Shazz Preston is a defining story of the contemporary college football era. It underscores that a player’s journey is rarely linear. His path—from blue-chip recruit to Alabama reserve to AAC star and now to a coveted transfer—highlights the importance of perseverance, fit, and the empowerment the transfer portal provides athletes.

For Alabama fans, it’s a reminder of the immense depth that often resides on their roster. For Tulane, it’s proof of their program’s ability to develop elite talent. And for Preston, the upcoming transfer represents a calculated career move to control his own narrative entirely.

As the spring portal window approaches, all eyes will be on where this newly minted star receiver decides to write his final, and potentially most impactful, collegiate chapter. His next catch could be in a stadium that defines his future.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.