By Moses Joshua 
With the Glenville linebacker heading to Columbus, the Crimson Tide pivot to a stacked list of elite LB targets in the 2026 class.
The Glenville Wall Holds—For Now
Alabama’s pursuit of 4-star linebacker Cincere Johnson ended in disappointment Thursday, as the Glenville standout stayed true to Ohio roots by committing to the Buckeyes. Despite a valiant push from Kalen DeBoer’s staff, the Glenville-to-Columbus pipeline held strong. The Tide were reportedly the runner-up in Johnson’s recruitment, narrowly edged out by the hometown favorite.
Still, for Alabama, it’s far from a defeatist moment. DeBoer and his staff have made it clear: they’re unafraid to challenge for top talent, even in the heart of rival territory. After all, they pulled Justin Hill out of Ohio just last cycle and snatched Georgia’s No. 2 player, Jorden Edmonds, earlier this year.
With three of Alabama’s top linebackers—Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, and Nikhai Hill-Green—entering their final season, reloading at the position is more than a luxury. It’s a necessity.
Now, the Tide shift their crosshairs toward a deep and dynamic pool of linebacker targets.
Xavier Griffin: The Five-Star Focal Point
The crown jewel of Alabama’s linebacker board is Xavier Griffin, a five-star from Gainesville, Georgia. Once committed to USC, Griffin now appears headed for a three-way showdown between Alabama, Texas, and Ohio State, with Florida State lurking as a dark horse ahead of his visit this weekend.
Alabama’s pitch? A Jihaad Campbell-like role that blends on- and off-ball flexibility, maximizing Griffin’s athleticism and instincts. He’s slated to announce his decision on June 29, a date now circled in bold in Tuscaloosa.
Contenders Rising: Rouse, Abrams, Davis & More
While Griffin garners the spotlight, several other names are moving rapidly up Alabama’s target board:
- Brayden Rouse, a four-star Georgia product, has already taken official visits to Michigan and Texas, and will wrap up at Tennessee. Though the Vols have been seen as favorites, Johnson’s decision could prompt Alabama to make a late surge.
- Nick Abrams, a versatile Maryland linebacker, just wrapped up an official visit to Tuscaloosa with glowing reviews. Having visited Georgia and Michigan, Abrams will finish his circuit at Oregon before committing on July 16.
- Anthony Davis Jr., currently leaning Auburn, is another big name Alabama will host this weekend. The outcome of his visit could determine how hard the Tide push moving forward.
- Karon Maycock, a current Florida State commit, is a prime flip candidate. Alabama made a strong impression last weekend, and he’ll decide between FSU, Florida, and Alabama on July 7.
- Zay Hall, a local Hillcrest High product, hasn’t received a formal offer yet but will be on campus this weekend. His stock is rising, and a standout visit could change his status quickly.
Looking Ahead: Numbers Game in Play
Though Alabama signed three on-ball linebackers in the previous class, the staff could aim for a similar haul in 2026—especially if one of them is Griffin, whose positional flexibility allows for creative personnel packages.
The road to restocking the linebacker room is still open, and while losing out on Johnson stings, the Tide are not short on options—or momentum.
In Tuscaloosa, the mission never stops.