Bo Scarbrough, a former Crimson Tide running back, joins West Alabama’s football program.

Bo Scarbrough, a former Alabama Crimson Tide running back, has found a new home in the world of football with the University of West Alabama. This transition from a powerhouse like Alabama to a smaller program is a significant moment, not just for Scarbrough, but also for the University of West Alabama (UWA), their football program, and the broader college football landscape. Scarbrough’s move opens a door to new opportunities, while also offering a chance to reflect on his career trajectory, from his highly publicized time with Alabama to his future prospects.

The Rise of Bo Scarbrough

Bo Scarbrough was born on September 29, 1996, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and his story begins as a local talent. His high school career was nothing short of spectacular. Scarbrough attended Northridge High School, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the most promising running backs in the country. His size and speed made him a rare prospect; standing at 6’2” and weighing 235 pounds, Scarbrough combined the power of a bruising back with the agility of a lighter running back. During his senior year, Scarbrough rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 20 touchdowns, earning numerous accolades, including a spot in the prestigious Under Armour All-America Game.

His outstanding high school performances attracted attention from major college football programs across the country, but Scarbrough chose to stay close to home. In 2014, he committed to play for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide, an offer he couldn’t refuse given his ties to Tuscaloosa and the allure of playing for one of the nation’s most successful programs.

Joining Alabama: Expectations and the Early Struggles

Scarbrough arrived at Alabama in 2015 with immense expectations. He was a highly sought-after recruit, and his arrival signaled that the Crimson Tide was adding another weapon to its already loaded roster. His combination of size and speed made him a potential game-changer for Alabama’s offense. However, like many highly-touted freshmen, Scarbrough faced challenges in his early years with the program.

Despite his obvious talent, Scarbrough’s initial seasons were marked by limited playing time. Alabama, known for its deep roster and competitive running back room, often had multiple backs vying for playing time. In his first year, Scarbrough played sparingly, with his most significant moments coming during blowout victories where he showcased flashes of brilliance. His raw potential was evident, but his development would take time.

In 2016, things began to change. With Alabama’s depth chart still crowded, Scarbrough’s big break came during the postseason. In the SEC Championship game against Florida, Scarbrough rushed for over 100 yards and scored two touchdowns. This performance put the college football world on notice, signaling that Scarbrough could be the back to carry the Crimson Tide’s offense. His standout performances continued in the College Football Playoff, where Scarbrough had an unforgettable performance in the National Championship game against Clemson. Scarbrough rushed for 93 yards and two touchdowns, including a memorable 68-yard touchdown run, as Alabama fell just short of securing the title.

Though Alabama lost the National Championship game, Scarbrough had cemented his place as one of the rising stars of college football. He had the size, speed, and power to be a game-changer at the next level, and many saw him as one of the premier running backs in the country. With such an impactful postseason performance, Scarbrough entered the 2017 season as one of the key players to watch in the SEC.

The Highs and Lows of Scarbrough’s Alabama Career

Scarbrough’s junior year was marked by a series of highs and lows. He started the 2017 season as the team’s lead running back but struggled to stay healthy throughout the year. Injuries, particularly to his leg and knee, hindered his ability to perform at a high level for the entire season. Despite these setbacks, Scarbrough still managed to contribute significantly to the team, including a solid performance in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Clemson.

However, Alabama’s championship run was once again thwarted, this time by the Georgia Bulldogs in the National Championship game. Scarbrough’s injuries and the emergence of other Alabama backs like Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs meant that he was no longer the focal point of the offense. While he did have some impressive moments, particularly in the running game, it became apparent that Scarbrough’s role had diminished in comparison to earlier in his college career.

The NFL Draft and Professional Career

After the 2017 season, Scarbrough declared for the NFL Draft, though his stock had dropped due to his injury history and lack of consistency during his final year. In 2018, Scarbrough was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Although many expected him to be a steal for the Cowboys, Scarbrough’s career in the NFL has been one of struggle. He bounced around a few teams, including the Detroit Lions, where he saw some of his most significant playing time. Scarbrough’s physical traits — his combination of size and speed — earned him opportunities, but injuries and other factors prevented him from fulfilling his potential as a top-tier NFL back.

While his professional career hasn’t panned out the way many expected, Scarbrough has continued to battle and work hard to carve out a role in professional football. His journey reflects the harsh realities of the NFL, where talent alone isn’t always enough to secure long-term success. He has had stints on practice squads, brief active roster placements, and even spent time on injured reserve, but as of now, he remains a player with unfulfilled potential in the professional ranks.

The Move to West Alabama

In March 2025, Bo Scarbrough made the decision to join the University of West Alabama football program. This decision marks a dramatic shift in Scarbrough’s career. West Alabama, a Division II school, might seem like an unexpected landing spot for a former Crimson Tide star and NFL draft pick. However, this move could signal several important things for Scarbrough’s future and for the university’s program.

For Scarbrough, West Alabama represents an opportunity to continue playing football and prove that he still has the ability to contribute at a high level. The pressure to perform at an SEC or NFL level has been replaced with a more grounded opportunity to rediscover his love for the game. While it may not be the glamorous platform he once had at Alabama or in the NFL, Scarbrough’s decision to play for West Alabama shows a commitment to his craft and a desire to keep his football career alive, no matter the level.

For West Alabama, Scarbrough’s arrival is a major coup. The Tigers have had periods of success in the Gulf South Conference, but having a player with Scarbrough’s pedigree — someone who has played at the highest levels of college football and had brief stints in the NFL — is a massive boost. Scarbrough’s presence can help elevate the program in terms of recruitment, exposure, and credibility. It will be intriguing to see how Scarbrough adjusts to this new role, whether as a leader for the Tigers or as a player looking to regain his former glory.

What Does the Future Hold?

Bo Scarbrough’s future is undoubtedly filled with uncertainty, but his move to West Alabama offers an opportunity for redemption. This could be a chance for him to prove that his time at Alabama and in the NFL was just the beginning of a longer, more fruitful career. Scarbrough’s size and athleticism are still his most impressive attributes, and it’s possible that with a change of scenery, he can rediscover the form that made him one of the most highly-coveted recruits in the country.

Moreover, this move could also signal a shift in the way players view their football futures. While playing for a powerhouse like Alabama and making it to the NFL may still be the dream for many, Scarbrough’s decision to move to a smaller program highlights that there are multiple paths in the world of professional football. West Alabama, despite its smaller stage, could be the perfect setting for Scarbrough to regain his form and perhaps even make another run at a professional career in the NFL.

Bo Scarbrough’s decision to join the University of West Alabama’s football program is a fascinating and unexpected chapter in his football journey. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of sports, the resilience required to overcome setbacks, and the importance of continuing to chase one’s passion, no matter the circumstances. While Scarbrough’s time at Alabama and in the NFL may not have gone according to plan, his story is far from over. Whether he can use his time at West Alabama to reinvent himself remains to be seen, but it’s clear that his passion for the game is as strong as ever. For both Scarbrough and the University of West Alabama, this move could signal a new beginning, and it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this former Crimson Tide star.