Despite a current No. 35 ranking in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports, analysts are suggesting that Alabama Crimson Tide fans shouldn’t be overly concerned.
While the program under new head coach Kalen DeBoer hasn’t seen the typical influx of new names during the spring evaluation period, experts believe this isn’t indicative of a long-term recruiting issue. Instead, it’s being interpreted as a sign that the coaching staff has a focused and confident approach to their current targets.
Analysts Say Alabama’s Recruiting Dip Isn’t a Long-Term Issue
The Crimson Tide currently has the No. 35-rated recruiting coup of the 2026 class. With its appeal, it’s hard to believe that DeBoer’s program won’t climb up those rankings.
Luke Robinson and Jimmy Stein discussed Alabama’s Class of 2026 recruiting situation on an episode of “Locked On Bama” on Tuesday, May 6. Five-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds and four-star athlete Zyan Gibson are two of the Crimson Tide’s five current commits.
“One thing that’s been a little interesting to me as the spring evaluation period continues is one thing I expected was more new names in the ’26 class,” Stein said. “I haven’t seen as much of that, and that’s surprising because generally new names sort of pop up during the evaluation period as it relates to the ’26 guys.
“For instance, a year ago, [with] Keelon Russell being the most obvious, glaring example of how that can happen. This year, not so much, and, while, on the one hand, alarmists might go, ‘That’s alarming.’ But I don’t look at it that way. I think it may be, my first guess is this: They’re pretty locked into who they want.
“They’re pretty sold on their board and sold that, they believe, that they’re gonna get most of the guys that they project to get. I think it’s probably good news that, all of a sudden, there’s not this army of new names.”
Athlete Brandon Arrington and receiver Cederian Morgan, both 247Sports five-stars, will be making their decisions soon, as will four-star wideout Boobie Feaster. Those three are targets of Alabama’s.
“If Alabama were to get two of those three, I mean, it’s an absolute grand slam,” Robinson said.
Feaster reclassified to get to the collegiate level quicker. Alabama is on his radar.
“JaMarcus Shephard, Alabama’s wide receiver coach … he seems to really like him and like the Alabama program,” Stein said. “I think Alabama’s got a real shot. The favorite is LSU, who does an exceptional job recruiting that position, just like Alabama does and like Ohio State does — Alabama being the short group there.”
Stein predicts Morgan will wind up in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and that DeBoer has a good shot at getting Arrington, as well.
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