Alabama Football Makes Top 5 for Elite 2026 TE Prospect
Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama coaching staff continue to make a strong impression on the 2026 recruiting cycle, securing a spot among the final contenders for one of the nation’s top tight end prospects.
Following a successful Junior Day recruiting event, Alabama has gained traction with several high-profile recruits. That momentum carried over into Thursday when five-star tight end Kaiden Prothro announced that Alabama is among his final five schools, according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett. The 6-foot-7, 210-pound standout from Bowdon, Georgia, is ranked as the No. 2 tight end in the country per the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Prothro’s recruitment has turned into an all-SEC battle, with Alabama competing against Auburn, Florida, Georgia, and Texas for his commitment. The highly sought-after tight end is a dynamic playmaker, reminiscent of Caleb Odom, whom Alabama recruited in the previous cycle with hopes of utilizing him as a big-bodied receiver. Although Odom saw limited action as a freshman before transferring to Ole Miss, Alabama’s interest in larger targets at the position remains evident.
Prothro received an offer from Alabama’s new coaching staff in March 2024 and has since remained a priority for the Crimson Tide. While he has not yet taken an official visit to Tuscaloosa, his inclusion of Alabama in his top five suggests that a campus visit is likely in the near future.
As of now, Prothro has one official visit scheduled—to Florida on the weekend of June 13. The tight end position remains a priority for Alabama, especially after losing veterans CJ Dippre and Robbie Ouzts to graduation. The Crimson Tide did secure commitments from four-star tight ends Kaleb Edwards and Marshall Pritchett in the 2025 class, but additional reinforcements are needed. Washington transfer Josh Cuevas is also entering his final year of eligibility, further emphasizing the importance of landing a top-tier prospect like Prothro.
Alabama faces stiff competition in this recruitment, as each of the finalist programs boasts strong NIL backing and a talented roster capable of attracting elite recruits. With the battle heating up, securing Prothro’s commitment will be no easy feat. However, if DeBoer and his staff can successfully pitch their vision for his development within Alabama’s offensive scheme, the Crimson Tide could position themselves as a formidable destination for the elite playmaker.
Stay tuned as Alabama continues its pursuit of one of the most coveted tight ends in the 2026 class.
