Former Tide defensive lineman opens up on decision to leave program

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The 2024 season was an odd one at Alabama.

Full of upsets, losses to unranked teams and several players perceived as difference makers hitting the transfer portal to go elsewhere.

The situation was no different for former Crimson Tide behemoth defensive tackle Jehiem Oatis, who’s decision to leave Alabama after three seasons wasn’t made lightly.

The towering defensive tackle arrived at Alabama as a highly touted recruit but now finds himself embarking on a new chapter of his playing career at Colorado under third-year coach Deion Sanders.

Oatis sat down in an exclusive interview with On3, reflecting on the factors behind his transfer, experience in Alabama’s storied program and goals at Colorado.

Jehiem Oatis Opens Up to @PeteNakos_ About Transfer to Colorado:

“I left Alabama because I came in with coach Saban, I took it to heart. That was one of my biggest dreams: To play in college football for coach Saban and win a ring… .The new staff wasn’t for me. And once I found… pic.twitter.com/BOn6FFd87f

— On3 (@On3sports) June 29, 2025

“I left Alabama because I came in with coach Saban, I took it to heart,” Oatis said. “That was one of my biggest dreams: to play college football for Coach Nick Saban. But when he retired, things changed, and I didn’t really mesh with the new coaching staff.”

His words reveal the complex feelings many players face when coaching transitions disrupt established relationships and expectations.

“Last year, when I was there, they were literally messing me over and weren’t giving me playing time,” Oatis said. “That was a big part of why I left. The new staff wasn’t for me. And once I found out that they didn’t mess with me, I knew it was time to get up and get out of there.”

Oatis had a solid three year stay in Tuscaloosa, appearing in 29 games, including 13 starts while recording 52 tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack.

His performance displayed flashes of his potential but perhaps not the consistent impact he envisioned when committing to the Crimson Tide

But, what Oatis’ decision does highlight is the freedom to seek a fresh start and a better fit, both on and off the field thanks to the transfer portal.

Throughout his playing days, Oatis has seen his weight fluctuate but is now down to a healthy, lean 315 pounds. He is looking to make an impact for Colorado, a program on the rise in the Big 12.

“I’m fully healthy,” Oatis said. “After I got [to Colorado], it took me two months to get back right. Colorado has been great. Our strength coach, coach [Andreu] Swasey. He comes from Miami. He’s a great coach. He’s worked with Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. What he has us doing has me moving and looking good.

“Getting back in the weight room, that’s something that I am good at. It’s been really good, the coaches are taking it really seriously. I’ve actually dropped, I’m 315 right now.”

The Crimson Tide are expected to compete for a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoffs this season after going 9-4 under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer.