| June 26, 2025 | Tuscaloosa, AL
Alabama is on the brink of a recruiting renaissance.
Forget all the talk about losing recruiting ground after Saban. Head coach Kalen DeBoer and GM Courtney Morgan are quietly assembling a dream 2026 class, blending blue-chip stars and overlooked talents in a way that screams elite. According to BamaHammer, they’re using a sharp mix of high-profile targets and under-the-radar gems—landing flips like DL JJ Finch, RB Javari Barnett, and S Rihyael Kelley from Power Five schools .
But that’s just the appetizer. The main course? Top-tier pending decisions—including:
5‑star RB Ezavier Crowell (Jackson, AL) — scheduled June 26, predicted to choose Bama over Georgia, Texas, Auburn
5‑star WR Cederian Morgan (Alexander City, AL) — official July 2; Alabama has surged to the lead
5‑star LB Xavier Griffin, 5‑star S Jireh Edwards, and 4‑star OT Malakai Lee — all expected to announce in the coming week
If they close the deal, the Tide will land multiple five‑star in‑state superstars, giving them massive bang for their recruiting buck.
Strategic Genius: Elite + Value
Alabama isn’t just aiming for stars; they’re building depth and adaptability in a new era of NIL constraints and portal noise. DeBoer and Morgan are mastering the art of roster construction—snagging stars while supplementing with undervalued players who fit the system and buy in
Showcase: Flips from Power Five (Finch, Barnett, Kelley) on cheap, early deals.
Targeted efforts at undervalued WRs and DBs like Owen Cabell and Brian Williams .
Elite upside from high school stars like Morgan and Crowell.
With portal gains covering immediate needs and high school recruits ensuring long-term dominance, this class is the blueprint of modern Tide recruiting.
The Bedrock Commits
5★ CB Jorden Edmonds: Already locked in, giving the secondary a national‑level anchor .
JJ Finch, Javari Barnett, Rihyael Kelley: Key flips bringing size, athleticism, and scheme fit—proof of Alabama’s live wire staff .
The Prizefish
Ezavier Crowell (RB): A premier in‑state weapon. Experts expect his announcement soon; a Tide win would create a monstrous 1‑2 punch with Barnett and in‑house backs .
Cederian Morgan (WR): A 6‑4 vertical threat, ranked among the top WRs nationally. Alabama’s lead has crystallized—July 2 could be a headline‑making day
Xavier Griffin (LB), Jireh Edwards (S), Malakai Lee (OT): These days in late June/early July could reshape the class’s narrative .
WHY THIS MATTERS
1. Reassert SEC supremacy — Filling elite needs while retaining state power.
2. Efficiency over lavish spending — Combining portal flips with school-paid recruits.
3. Reputation reborn — Memorializing a post‑Saban Alabama that builds like the old guard—relentless, ruthless, and right.
247Sports notes Alabama’s average commit score is near the top, with a methodical but potent slow‑build emerging . If the Tigers build momentum now, they’ll complete a class that’s feared coast to coast.
From The Trail:
A five‑star WR said Alabama “felt like a family, not just a program” after a recent visit .
Another scout noted, “They’re hitting the portal and the field with precision—no waste”—a clear sign talent evaluation is in elite hands .
On the Cochran 247 forum, fans celebrated Cederian Morgan’s “package deal” buzz—a deep ruby in the Tide crown .
What Could Make This a Legendary Class?
Position Target(s) Impact If Committed
RB Crowell + Barnett Two-headed monster, instant depth
WR Cederian Morgan + Cabell/Williams Air attack reloaded
LB, DB, S, OT Griffin, Edwards, Lee, Malakai Lee Balanced strength across ALL phases
Portal flips Finch, Kelley, Barnett Immediate contributors, low cost
Add 5‑star QB Jett Thomalla (already committed), dynamic OL prospects, and the class is built for dominance.
The Final Word
This isn’t Alabama chasing glory—it’s redefining it.
From portal plays to high school marvels, DeBoer and Morgan are constructing not just a class—but an attitude. One that says: Bama still dominates every lane—field, locker room, and scoreboard.
Let this be the year Alabama stopped whispering about dynasty—and started screaming about what’s next.
