Kalen DeBoer Sustains Alabama’s Recruiting Momentum with Latest Commitment…
The Alabama Crimson Tide has long been dominant on the recruiting front, and Kalen DeBoer is ensuring that tradition continues seamlessly following Nick Saban’s departure.
The program has recently secured multiple commitments for the 2026 recruiting class, adding to DeBoer’s growing success as he gears up for his second season as head coach.
Alabama’s Recruiting Success Under DeBoer
DeBoer has already delivered one impressive recruiting class. The 2024 group, led by standout wide receiver Ryan Williams, ranked second nationally, according to 247Sports. The momentum carried into the 2025 cycle, with three five-star recruits helping Alabama secure the No. 4 spot in the national rankings.
The 2026 class is beginning to take form as well. Currently ranked 34th, with over a year left for further development, the class has recently gained a series of three-star commitments. Given DeBoer’s recruiting prowess, improvement is expected.
Key 2026 Commitments
The first pledge for the 2026 class came in December from four-star athlete Zyan Gibson out of Gadsden City, Alabama. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 174 pounds, Gibson excelled as both a receiver and defensive back in high school. With a 10.85-second 100-meter time recorded in his sophomore year, his speed alongside Ryan Williams could form a lethal combination in Alabama’s passing attack.
DeBoer’s strong defensive recruiting continues. In the 2025 class, nine of 21 commits were defensive players, and the trend persists with two more defensive standouts joining the 2026 class.
Defensive lineman Chris Booker and edge rusher Jamarion Matthews, both from Georgia, have committed. Each is a three-star recruit ranked among the top 30 at their respective positions.
Matthews, in particular, stands out after an impressive junior season where he recorded 17 sacks in just 10 games. Pass rushing was a weak point for Alabama in 2024, as the team managed only 25 sacks in 13 games. DeBoer’s latest additions signal a clear effort to address that issue.
Though the 2026 class is still in its early stages, there is already plenty for Alabama fans to be excited about. Despite some struggles in 2024, the future remains bright as Kalen DeBoer ensures that Alabama’s recruiting dominance persists beyond the Nick Saban era.
