By Mmesoma 
In a bold recruiting victory that sent shockwaves across the SEC, the Alabama Crimson Tide have landed one of the nation’s top defensive prospects—five-star linebacker Malik Andrews out of Buford, Georgia.
Andrews, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound tackling machine, made his commitment official on Friday afternoon, choosing Alabama over Georgia, Florida State, and Ohio State. The announcement came via a live stream on his Instagram, where he donned a crimson cap and declared, “I’m taking my talents to Tuscaloosa.”
The commitment is a massive win for head coach Kalen DeBoer, who continues to prove Alabama’s recruiting machine is alive and well even in the post-Saban era. Andrews is ranked No. 2 among linebackers nationally and No. 12 overall in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.
> “Alabama felt like home,” Andrews said after the announcement. “It’s not just the tradition—it’s the development. I want to be the best, and I believe Coach DeBoer and his staff can get me there.”
The linebacker’s decision is especially notable given Georgia’s aggressive push to keep him in-state. The Bulldogs were widely considered the frontrunners early in his recruitment, and losing a blue-chip defender from their own backyard to a rival has raised eyebrows.
Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack reportedly played a pivotal role in sealing the deal, building a strong relationship with Andrews and selling him on being the centerpiece of the Tide’s defensive future.
> “Coach Wommack’s vision for me is to come in and make an impact early,” Andrews said. “They want me to be a leader—not just a player.”
Andrews brings a rare blend of sideline-to-sideline speed, high football IQ, and ferocious tackling. His junior season stats were eye-popping: 112 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 2 interceptions, earning him All-State honors.
Analysts have already begun drawing comparisons to former Alabama greats like C.J. Mosley and Dont’a Hightower, and with Andrews’ commitment, Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class now ranks No. 2 nationally—closing the gap on Ohio State and pushing past Georgia.
Recruiting expert Chad Simmons called the move “a tone-setter.”
> “This isn’t just about one player,” Simmons said. “This is Alabama reminding the country—and especially Georgia—that they’re not going anywhere.”
With Andrews locked in and a wave of momentum behind them, Alabama’s next step is clear: turn elite recruits into championship-caliber players. And if Malik Andrews lives up to the hype, the Crimson Tide defense just got a whole lot scarier.