Alabama received a major Christmas Eve gift on Tuesday with a commitment from 4-star cornerback Zyan Gibson for its 2026 recruiting class.
This commitment is especially sweet for Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide, especially after the loss of their previous 2026 recruit, defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland, earlier this month. Like Cleveland, who is also from Birmingham, Gibson is another prized in-state recruit, hailing from Gadsden.
Gibson made his announcement in a live-streamed social media event on Christmas Eve, where Alabama-themed balloons floated in the background. With a wide smile, he proudly put on an Alabama baseball cap while friends and family cheered in celebration.
The 5-foot-11, 177-pound cornerback had offers from over 15 Division 1 programs and ultimately chose Alabama over Auburn, Tennessee, and Miami. He is ranked as the No. 7 player in Alabama and the No. 7 cornerback in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite.
Known for his versatility, Gibson has played both cornerback and wide receiver at the high school level. In 2023, as a sophomore, he recorded 17 tackles, 1 tackle-for-loss, and 1 fumble recovery in just 7 games. This season, he also caught 4 passes for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns in 8 games as a wide receiver.
Gibson is now poised to become a key contributor to Alabama’s secondary—and potentially its wide receiver room—when he joins the team in the fall of 2026.
