Thompson 4-Star DB seeing final stretch of recruitment take shape

Junior James Tu'upo - Photo By Justin Smith

Junior James Tu’upo is considered one of the most versatile defensive backs in the 2027 recruiting class, and his recruitment looks to be trending towards a summer decision.

The Thompson High School product is a four-star, and he is recognized as one of the top recruits in Alabama. He currently has Alabama, Auburn, Indiana, Oregon and Texas in his top five.

Thompson 6-foot-3 4-Star DB Junior James Tu’upo @TuupoJunior has Alabama, Auburn, Indiana, Oregon and Texas in his Top 5.

Someone is going to land a smooth & versatile DB.

Latest coming to @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/pZM36Svspe

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) April 28, 2026

James is fresh off a visit to Oregon, and the Ducks are trending in a good direction with him.

“It’s a lot of good things in Oregon,” James said. “I think it’s a beautiful campus, coached by real great coaches, especially coach (Dan) Lanning. He coached under Nick Saban. The pipeline of all of the coaches under Nick Saban is great coaches.”

Indiana was the first program to host James for an official visit. The Hoosiers got him on campus for the official visit earlier this month.

“I was blessed to be a part of greatness this past weekend,” James posted to X after his visit to Indiana. “I really appreciated my time with the Champs.”

Alabama is another team who has placed itself in a great position with James, and their relationship is continuing to grow.

“Me and my relationship with Alabama is growing,” said James. “I love coach Jones. I love coach DeBoer, all of the coaches I talk to down there, and it is right next to home, so, I would be down there a lot.”

The Tide hosted James several times during the spring, and James highlighted the growth of their relationship during those visits.

“Alabama was great,” James told Touchdown Alabama. “I definitely enjoyed it. I think my relationship has grown with the Tide as well. I spent some time talking to coach (Jason) Jones and some players once practice ended, then I met with coach (Kalen) DeBoer and coach (Kane) Wommack as well after that.”

The Tide is expected to host James for an official visit in June, but Auburn will get him on campus a week before.

“When I went down to Auburn, they had a ton of hospitality,” said James. “The coaches showed a ton of interest and treated my family with a lot of love. After practice i spent a lot of time with coach (Tim) Banks, coach (Alex) Fegan, and coach Buddy (Brusky), kind of just talking football and catching up with each other. I’d say my relationships with their coaches are definitely building.”

Oregon will host James for an official visit in May, and Texas will host him next before Auburn gets him on campus.

At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, the 2027 prospect was a ball-hawking defensive back for the Warriors during the last football season. He displayed versatility while lining up at different spots within the Warriors’ defense. He was exceptional against the run when he was called upon to get downhill and make tackles. He also stood out in coverage with his length.

Watch Junior James’ Highlights Below: