Alabama among SEC powers in physical Georgia linebacker’s Top 5

Alabama football is listed as a top school in Joakim Gouda’s top five.

Gouda attends South Paulding High School in Douglasville, Georgia. He has Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia and Texas in his top five.

Georgia 2027 LB Joakim Gouda says he has Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia and Texas as his Top 5.

A SEC team is getting one of the best linebackers in the country. He plans to return to Alabama this spring.

Update on Gouda & other Tide 2027 targets: https://t.co/Gi2T857e1L pic.twitter.com/RMyxX69iZ1

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) February 16, 2026

The Crimson Tide offered Gouda in January, and he received a visit from the Tide’s linebacker coach Chuck Morrell soon after. Gouda made his way to Tuscaloosa at the end of the month for Junior Day, and the Crimson Tide sent him a clear message during the visit.

“If you want play for championships, this is the place for you,” Gouda said when asked what the Tide’s message was to him during the visit.

Alabama’s strength and conditioning program, as well as its facilities, stood out to Gouda during his unofficial visit. He previously told Touchdown Alabama he plans to be in Tuscaloosa this spring for another visit.

Alabama is recruiting the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder to be an inside linebacker. He shines there for South Paulding as a physical linebacker. He is great at making tackles in space with a great feel for taking angles to ball carriers.

Watch Joakim Gouda Highlights Below: