Where Alabama football’s 2026 recruiting class stands with signing day approaching

Cederian Morgan - Photo By John Ivory - Touchdown Alabama

Alabama football will look to secure a top 2026 recruiting class during the first week in December, with the early signing period set to begin on Dec. 3 and run to Dec. 5.

The Crimson Tide currently holds verbal commitments from 23 2026 recruits. Four of the Crimson Tide’s commits are rated as five-star prospects with commitments from Xavier Griffin, Jireh Edwards, Jorden Edmonds and Ezavier Crowell.

Alabama made it a priority to add a quarterback in this class. The Tide doubled up on this goal by securing commitments from two quarterbacks in Jett Thomalla and Tayden Kaawa. The reasoning behind this decision appears to be due to depth concerns in the current landscape of college football.

Ty Simpson is likely going to depart from the program at the end of the season and both Austin Mack and Keelon Russell will have the freedom to do so as well via the transfer portal. To avoid the worst-case scenario of possibly having one returning scholarship quarterback, snagging two quarterbacks in this class is a smart move.

A pair of running backs is committed to the Tide. Ezavier Crowell and Javari Barnett are set to join a running back room filled with opportunities to make an early impact. Crowell is a five-star prospect out of Jackson High School in Alabama. He has the potential to make an impact in year one in Tuscaloosa.

Ezavier Crowell flashed multiple aspects of his game in the first half and showed why he is considered a complete back.

Power ✅

Explosiveness ✅

Athleticism ✅

Vision ✅@TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/YK6ITuLqml

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) August 30, 2025

RELATED: Alabama 5-Star RB commit has golden opportunity on the horizon

Cederian Morgan, Brian Williams Jr. and Owen Cabell are set to bring contrasting styles to the Tide’s wide receiver group. Morgan is a physical 6-foot-5 wide receiver with an incredibly wide catch radius and dependable hands. Williams, at 6-foot-4, is an impressive route runner, who can create separation at different points in the progression of a route. Cabell is a 6-foot-3 speedster with a PR of 10.76 in the 100-meter dash. He clocked in a 4.4 forty-yard dash while camping at Alabama during the summer.

Alabama 5-Star WR commit Cederian Morgan @cedeian2 goes up and snags it over two defenders for 6. @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/EoXiD3FRCi

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) September 6, 2025

Mack Sutter is Alabama’s only tight end pledge. The 6-foot-6 prospect has great mobility for a guy his size. He can be physical, which shows when he is calling upon the block. His ability to be a receiving tight end makes him a great fit for what Kalen DeBoer and his staff want to do with the tight end position.

Alabama has pledges from a quartet of offensive linemen in Jared Doughty, Chris Booker, Sam Utu and Bear Fretwell. Utu is projected to line up at guard for the Tide. Doughty and Fretwell projected to line up at tackle, while Booker will bring the ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line.

Xavier Griffin, who is thought of as the Tide’s highest-rated recruit, is the only Alabama commit set to line up at the Wolf linebacker position. He is a 6-foot-4 edge with a quick twitch, who can play sideline to sideline. The Alabama native is the true definition of a versatile linebacker prospect with his blend of size and athleticism to go along with his ability to make plays from the edge and off the ball.

Alabama has appeared to lay the red carpet out for 5-Star LB Xavier Griffin @zay_social this weekend.

The 5-Star looks tailor-made for Alabama football’s Wolf LB position, but his versatility remains a huge asset and will be huge for whoever lands home. https://t.co/Q8xZa2O2RT pic.twitter.com/NfH7HfW3hZ

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) June 8, 2025

Alabama has loaded up on defensive linemen in this class with commitments from five defensive linemen prospects. Nolan Wilson, Jamarion Matthews, JJ Finch, Corey Howard and Kamhariyan Johnson all bring the ability to play multiple positions along the Tide’s defensive front.

Zay Hall is Alabama’s only inside linebacker pledge. The 6-foot-2, approximately 230-pounder is projected to be an inside linebacker at the next level. He excels at sifting through traffic and seeking out ball carriers with the ability to play sideline to sideline.

The Tide’s defensive back commits are Jireh Edwards, Rihyael Kelly, Jorden Edmonds and Zyan Gibson. Gibson and Edmonds are expected to play cornerback for the Tide. Kelly and Edwards are projected to be safeties at the next level.

Edmonds and Edwards go into the category of potential day one contributors.

Alabama is locked in on securing this class.