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Alabama’s National Championship Odds Now +225 After Adding LB Henry To’oto’o as Transfer From Tennessee

Robert Duff

by Robert Duff in College Football

Updated May 8, 2021 · 2:26 PM PDT

Tennessee linebacker Henry To'o To'o on the field during an NCAA college football game.
Tennessee linebacker Henry To'o To'o (11) plays in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
  • Alabama’s national championship odds shortened to +225 with the announcement that the Crimson Tide were adding Tennessee LB Henry To’oto’o as a transfer
  • The Tide were at average odds of +300 to win the title prior to this move
  • To’oto’o, a 2019 freshman All-American, chose Alabama over Ohio State

In the case of the reigning national champion Alabama Crimson Tide, the rich just got richer. The Tide’s always stellar recruiting class received an additional shot in the arm Saturday. News broke that former Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Henry To’oto’o was transferring to Alabama.

The Crimson Tide were already +300 favorites to roll to another college football title in 2022 prior to adding To’oTo’o. The news that he’s choosing them as his next stop saw Alabama’s national championship odds shorten to +225.

2022 National Championship Odds

School Odds at DraftKings
Alabama +225
Clemson +300
Ohio State +400
Georgia +600
Oklahoma +800

Odds as of May 8th.

To’oTo’o ended up opting into the NCAA transfer portal on January 20th. He made this decision following the departure of Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt.

To’oto’o An Immense Talent

A blue chip recruit, To’oto’o made an immediate impact when he arrived on the Tennessee campus. As a true freshman, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound outside linebacker made 72 tackles. He also defended two passes defended and recovered a fumble.

In 10 games last season, To’oto’o collected a team-leading 76 tackles. Those included 10 tackles for loss. As well, he recorded a sack, an interception and defended three passes.

To’oto’o figures to slot into the linebacking spot vacated by Dylan Moses. Moses signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars after being passed over in the NFL Draft.

To’oto’o will slot in alongside junior Christian Harris, senior Jaylen Moody and sophomore Will Anderson Jr. That will give the Tide a formidable linebacking crew. Sophomore Demouy Kennedy and freshman Deontae Lawson will also compete for playing time.

Tennessee plays at Alabama on October 23rd.

How Soon Will To’oto’o Play?

The NCAA changed the transfer rule for the upcoming season. In the past, transfers were required to sit out a year before playing for their new school.

The new rule permits student-athletes to transfer one time and become immediately eligible without needing a waiver. However, the Southeastern Conference still has on its books a regulations requiring intra-conference transfers to sit out one year before becoming eligible.

It’s expected that SEC member schools will vote on whether to change that rule later this month. Considering the legacy of SEC schools in terms of winning national championships, it’s difficult to imagine that the conference will maintain a rule that will essentially be making it more difficult for their teams to compete for the title.

Alabama Taking Advantage

Absolutely this is a case of the rich getting richer, or if you prefer, the strong getting stronger. The new NCAA transfer rule has basically brought free agency to NCAA football.

Did anyone doubt that Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban would be the one to immediately take advantage of this opportunity?

Earlier, Alabama added transfer wide receiver Jameson Williams. He played against them for Ohio State in last season’s championship game and has since decided to roll with the Tide. Two of his nine receptions last season went for touchdowns.

The NCAA has created another loophole for the best to get better. And Alabama is the best of the best.

Pick: Alabama (+225)

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