Don’t let the early rankings fool you — Alabama is quietly assembling a 2026 recruiting class that could make a major national impact.
While the Crimson Tide’s class sat in the 50s earlier this summer, a recent wave of high-level commitments has vaulted them into the Top 5 nationally. Led by new head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama is now up to 19 verbal commits, including multiple blue-chip prospects on both sides of the ball.
Among the recent headliners:
5-star defensive lineman Nolan Wilson out of Mississippi, who adds explosive edge talent to the defensive front
5-star safety Jireh Edwards, a dynamic playmaker from Baltimore
A growing group of 4-star offensive and defensive linemen with long-term upside
The class is being built with balance, featuring key pieces at quarterback, offensive line, defensive line, and in the secondary. Analysts have compared the potential of this group to Alabama’s best recruiting hauls under Nick Saban — it’s that loaded.
What makes this more impressive is the quality over quantity. Despite having fewer overall commits than some programs, Alabama’s average recruit rating ranks second in the nation, just behind Georgia. That means the Tide are focusing on top-tier talent, not just stockpiling bodies.
And they’re not done. Alabama remains in the mix for several more elite prospects, including 5-star quarterback Tayden Kaawa, top-10 wide receiver Cederian Morgan, and blue-chip running back Ezavier Crowell.
There’s a lot of work left before National Signing Day, but make no mistake — Alabama’s 2026 class is shaping up to be a foundational one for the DeBoer era. The difference-making talent is already arriving.
Alabama’s 2026 Recruiting Class Quietly Taking Shape — With Game-Changing Potential
