By Moses Joshua 
Brandon Arrington narrows his college choices, leaving the Crimson Tide out despite a strong push.
A Stunning Post-Visit Decision
One of the most coveted recruits in the 2026 class has made a headline-grabbing move—and it doesn’t favor Alabama. Brandon Arrington, a dynamic five-star athlete from Mount Miguel High School (California), has officially trimmed his list of finalists to just two: Oregon and Texas A&M.
The decision came shortly after Arrington wrapped up what he publicly called a “great” official visit to Tuscaloosa. Many believed the trip could vault Alabama into pole position. Instead, the Crimson Tide now find themselves on the outside looking in.
Arrington confirmed the update via Instagram, catching fans and analysts off guard by omitting Nick Saban’s historic program from his top two.
Arrington’s Versatility Makes Him a Top Prize
Standing out as a multi-sport athlete and explosive playmaker, Arrington is ranked among the nation’s top athletes in the 2026 cycle. Programs have courted him for multiple positions, but Alabama saw him primarily as a cornerback—a role he excels in with speed, instincts, and field vision.
Despite a strong pitch from Alabama’s staff and a well-regarded visit, Arrington appears to be seeking a different fit. His focus now shifts to programs that may offer different developmental paths or a clearer vision for how his skills will be used on both sides of the ball.
What This Means for Alabama
The Crimson Tide still have six verbal commitments in their 2026 class and plenty of time to reload. But missing out on Arrington stings—especially after investing significant recruiting energy into his visit. It’s also a reminder that in today’s college football landscape, even “great” official visits don’t guarantee results.
Meanwhile, Oregon and Texas A&M are surging. With both schools putting together aggressive recruiting campaigns, the race to land Arrington’s signature now enters its final stretch.
Whichever program wins out, one thing is clear: Brandon Arrington is a name we’ll be hearing for years to come.