
Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the country, and according to ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum, it feels like the legendary coach never left. On his latest appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show, the college football commentator said Alabama is “recruiting like Nick Saban still runs the show.”
“The ghost of Saban is everywhere,” Finebaum remarked. “You walk into that building, and the culture he built is still intact. The way they evaluate talent, the way they close deals with elite recruits — it’s like he never stepped away.”
Under head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama has already secured commitments from multiple five-star prospects, including quarterback Jaxon Reed, linebacker Malik Sutton, and offensive tackle Zion Daniels — all of whom were heavily recruited by national powerhouses like Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas.
What’s more impressive is that Alabama remains a serious contender for other top uncommitted players, including 5-star wide receiver Cederian Morgan, who recently visited Tuscaloosa and called the experience “eye-opening.”
“The structure, the energy, and the mindset are all still there,” Morgan said after his visit. “You can tell they expect greatness.”
DeBoer, who took over the program after Saban’s retirement in early 2024, has made it clear he’s not trying to replicate Saban’s personality — but he’s not ignoring the foundation either.
“This program was built on elite standards, and we’re continuing that,” DeBoer told reporters. “Coach Saban left a blueprint, and we’ve taken that and added our own spin — but the expectations haven’t changed.”
Recruits seem to be responding. Alabama currently holds the No. 2 spot in 247Sports’ 2026 team rankings, just behind Georgia, with several major targets still on the board. Analysts say the Crimson Tide could finish with the top class if momentum continues.
For Finebaum, it’s not just about the rankings — it’s about presence.
“Alabama’s still that feared name on the trail,” he said. “Kids may be too young to remember Saban’s early titles, but their parents sure do. That tradition, that expectation — it’s alive and well in Tuscaloosa.”
So while Nick Saban may be enjoying retirement, his influence still looms large over Alabama football. And if recruiting is any indication, the dynasty he built is far from over.