Alabama Football Recruiting Update for Class of 2026

SB Nation

With the bye week upon us, it seems like a good time to catch up on Alabama football recruiting for the Class of 2026. While the Crimson Tide already has 23 hard commits, there is still potential to pick

up a few more in the coming days leading up to December’s Signing Day.

NOV 8

The LSU game on Nov 8 is expected to have a large gathering of future Crimson Tide players, highlighted by four 5-stars and one who is about to join them:

S Jireh Edwards (Baltimore, MD)
CB Jorden Edmonds (Marietta, GA)
WR Cederian Morgan (Alexander City, AL)
EDGE Xavier Griffin (Gainesville, GA)
RB Ezavier Crowell high 4-star (Jackson, AL) – HE’S ONLY 17, Y’ALL!

Yes, Bama will have another youngster who is reclassifying. And just like Ryan Williams before him, Crowell looks ready to compete at the FBS level right away.

At least 15 commits for the 2026 class have said they will be at this game in an unofficial capacity. This class has three wide receivers locked in. They are the aforementioned Morgan, Brian Williams, and Owen Cabell. However, it appears the Tide may possibly add one more. Alabama will host 4-star WR Samson Gash on Official Visit in two Saturdays. He is from a Detroit suburb and is currently committed to Michigan State. He is the son of Penn State alum, former NFL player and coach Sam Gash.

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

The whole recruiting calendar has shifted since the induction of the Early Signing Period eight years ago and several schools are still adjusting. Like so many other heads of programs, Nick Saban struggled early on with how to tackle this new world. But he laid a good groundwork of handling most of the recruiting during the summer and them pick up a few during the fall mostly in the form of flips from other schools. The advantages of this process is obviously that it allows the main staff to concentrate on the current campaign. It also allows the rest of the staff led by Bama GM Courtney Morgan to get a jump on the next classes.

The LSU weekend is much more crucial to the Class of 2027. Three of the four commits for that class are expected including 4-star QB Jett Thomalla (Omaha, NE). In addition, 12 uncommited prospects will be at the game and it looks like an Army All-American Game roster including six of the Top 21* rated prospects:

• EDGE Zyron Forstall (IMG, originally from New Orleans) # 8 overall
• IOL Maxwell Hiller, No. 1 IOL (Coatesville, PA) # 9 overall
• QB Elijah Haven, No. 1 QB (Baton Rouge) # 13 overall
• WR Monshun Sales, No. 3 WR (Indianapolis) # 14 overall
• S Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, No. 3 Safety, No. 1 junior in Calif. (San Diego) # 20 overall
• EDGE Anthony Sweeney, No. 4 Edge (Olney, MD) # 21 overall

* Composite ratings by Rivals/On3.

NOV 14

Looking ahead to the Oklahoma game, the Tide will again have a large contingent of the committed coming back including Edmonds, Morgan, and Crowell. As of now, only two 2027 tight ends and one 2028 WR prospect are expected.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF PACKAGE DEAL?

Normally, you would not expect uncommitted players to come in for visit for a cupcake game. But the Tide will host an interesting pair for the Eastern Illinois game (November 22). Alabama starting safety Keon Sabb’s younger brothers are uncommitted 2026 three-star ATH Amari Sabb and more importantly 2027 five-star ATH Xavier Sabb. Interestingly, that game is Senior Day, though the elder Sabb has one more year of eligibility after this season if he wants it.

The Sabbs hail from Glassboro, N.J. which is half an hour south of Philadelphia. Because of the proximity, Rutgers is a real contender for both. Despite their recent troubles, Penn State always recruits the ironically named Garden State really well and they should be a finalist. Alabama is considered to be the third suitor for the duo.

At 5-8/155 lbs., Amari’s size is definitely an issue. Despite being listed as a two-way player Athlete, he is not playing defense in FBS football at that size. He is, of course, being recruited as a receiver. Xavier stands at 6-foot, 180 pounds, and could play either side of the ball but it is believed Bama likes him as a receiver. These two also visited for the Wisconsin game back in September and have been to Tuscaloosa several times in the off-season.

While nobody is actually claiming this is a package deal, it seems odd Amari has not made his pledge this late in the process. To his credit, he is considered a 3-star. He not just some JAG off the streets. However, he would be the lowest ranked player in this class. All that said, it is worth questioning whether he actually has a full offer or is it one with stipulations attached to the offer (if you get my drift).