Tight ends to know after Alabama football loses 4-Star commitment

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The Alabama Crimson Tide is expected to continue to recruit several 2027 tight ends after recently losing a commitment from Colt Lumpris.

The Tide currently holds a commitment from one 2027 tight end, with a pledge from Oakley Keegan. All signs point to the Tide continuing to want to add at least two tight ends in this class. Here is a look at some tight end prospects to know, based on information Touchdown Alabama has gathered:

Malik Howard – 4-Star TE

Howard is a 2027 tight end, and he attends Oak Ridge High School in Tennessee. The four-star is expected to officially visit the Crimson Tide on the weekend of May 29. Alabama’s new tight end coach Richard Owens is now leading the push for the stand out at tight end.

Owens was quick to get in contact with Howard after joining the Tide’s staff. The four-star previously expressed that he liked the way Alabama used their tight ends.

“They use them a lot in a pro-style way, a style that gets them developed for the NFL, and it shows when guys go to the league,” Howard said.

At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Howard is a physical tight end, who looks comfortable making contested catches in traffic. He also has experience lining up out wide and attached to the line of scrimmage. He is an effective blocker and is effective at releasing from blocks and becoming a target for his quarterback.

4-Star TE Malik Howard @Malik_Howard81 creates separation and pulls in the TD reception at the @thesevens7on7.

Alabama hosting him for an official in March. pic.twitter.com/IVlASTX66i

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) February 28, 2026

Sam Faniel – 4-Star TE

Faniel is a 2027 tight end out of Virginia. He attends Benedictine College Preparatory in Richmond, Virginia. The Crimson Tide is expected to get him on campus for an official visit in June.

Alabama offered Faniel almost a year ago, and he shared his dad is an Alabama native and a fan of the Tide.

“This is big for me,” Faniel told Touchdown Alabama. “My dad is from Alabama and has been a Tide fan since I can remember. This one definitely means a lot to me because I also grew up watching this team being the powerhouse of all of college football.”

At 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, Faniel has an opportunity to be one of the best receiving tight end prospects in the 2027 class. His size makes him an immediate mismatch. He is also a willing blocker, who possesses an explosive burst for a guy his size.

Colton Johnson

Johnson is a 2027 tight end prospect, and he attends Upperman High School in Baxter, Tennessee.

Alabama offered Johnson in March, and his offer came from Owens. The Tide did not host Johnson for a spring visit, but Alabama could become a player in his recruitment with an official visit.

“I think Alabama is the most proven program in all of college football, and they are top-tier in every aspect of football,” Johnson told Touchdown Alabama.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder shines as a complete tight end for Upperman. He produces as a blocker at the line of scrimmage, displaying physicality and tenacity. He also makes plays as a large target for his quarterback.