Alabama wide receiver Christian Leary announced his intention to enter the transfer portal via his official social media pages. Leary originally arrived at Alabama as a four-star recruit in 2021 but got somewhat lost in the shuffle of Alabama’s crowded receiver room. Leary has played 45 snaps in five regular-season appearances this year. Leary has recorded one reception for six yards.

The talented 5-foot-10, 175-pound receiver will now search for more playing time via the portal. Leary has several years of remaining eligibility. He remains capable of reaching the potential that drew Alabama to him. We’ve swiftly identified three programs that could consider tempting Leary via the portal.

Texas Longhorns

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian worked as Alabama’s offensive coordinator from 2019-20. Although Sarkisian never actually coached Leary at Alabama (he departed for Texas before Leary arrived), he did play a hand in recruiting him. Texas special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Jeff Banks was Leary’s main recruiter at Alabama. Leary may possess an interest in reuniting with coaches that helped attract him to Tuscaloosa.

Leary wouldn’t be the first Crimson Tide receiver to join Sarkisian at Texas via the portal. Former Alabama receiver Agiye Hall, who was a part of Leary’s recruiting class, made an identical decision ahead of the 2022 campaign. That move hasn’t particularly worked out for Hall, but it doesn’t mean Leary wouldn’t relish his opportunities alongside a coaching staff he’s familiar with.

UCF Knights

A native of Orlando, Florida, Leary burst onto the scene as a dual-threat performer (1,586 all-purpose yards as a receiver and running back in 2019) at the local Edgewater High School. Leary ultimately decided to depart the state in search of greener pastures at a powerhouse program such as Alabama. A return to the comforts of his home state could provide just what the doctor ordered.

Transferring to UCF would also reunite Leary with running back R.J. Harvey. Harvey actually played as Leary’s quarterback at Edgewater. Leary and Harvey would stretch opposing defenses thin in 2023 and possibly beyond.

UCF head coach Gus Malazahn is an offensive guru. The Knights are averaging 34.9 points per contest this season. Malazahn is building something special at the program. Leary would thrive under Malazahn’s watchful eye.

Auburn Tigers

The Tigers officially announced the hiring of new head coach Hugh Freeze. Freeze will look to bring some much-needed offensive improvements to Auburn’s offense. By their standards, the Tigers are currently averaging a modest 24.8 points per contest. In 2015, Freeze’s Ole Miss Rebels averaged 40.8 points per outing. That’s the type of offensive production Auburn is hoping Freeze can bring to Jordan–Hare Stadium.

Freeze should immediately search for help at the receiver position via the portal. Auburn’s leading receiver is running back Tank Bigsby, who has 30 receptions. No Auburn receiver has accounted for 500-plus receiving yards this season. Better personnel will be required if Freeze is to deliver the desired improvements. He should quickly identify Leary as one of his main targets. Transferring to Auburn would allow Leary to keep applying his trade in the familiar SEC.