2026 4-Star OL Sam Utu Commits to Alabama

Utu is now the sixth member of the Tide's 2026 recruiting class, and the second offensive lineman.

Sep 14, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; General view of Alabama Crimson Tide helmets during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide picked up the first commitment of the Summer on Saturday as 4-Star offensive lineman Sam Utu made his announcement official. He chose Alabama over the likes of Texas, Tennessee, Washington and many more.

The 6-foot-4, 320 lb. Orange, California native is now the second offensive lineman commit and the sixth overall in the class. He joins fellow 4-Star Chris Booker as one of the two offensive linemen in the class for Alabama.

🚨BREAKING🚨 4-star IOL Samuelu Utu has committed to Alabama, @Hayesfawcett3 reports🐘

More from @ChadSimmons_: https://t.co/DHtxwPiUQZ pic.twitter.com/ykrYGgKYuA

— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 9, 2025

As a versatile prospect with the ability to play multiple roles, it's unclear yet where Utu will lineup at the next level. He is listed as an interior offensive lineman by On3 and is ranked 14th in the nation, but Rivals lists him as a tackle and ranks him No. 41 in the country.

Though he has spent most of his time on the outside for Orange Lutheran High School, his somewhat limited frame may move him into an interior role at the collegiate level. Regardless of where he lines up though, Utu has proven the ability to be an absolute mauler in both the run and pass game.

Alabama now has six commitments in the 2026 recruiting class, and given the amount of prospects that have named the Tide as a finalist in recent weeks, could be in store for many more this summer. While it has gotten off to a somewhat slower start, DeBoer and the staff look to be building a very strong recruiting class.

Upcoming Official Visitors

June 13-17

• 5-Star ATH Brandon Arrington - Set to commit on July 5th
• 4-Star WR Somourian Wingo - Named Alabama as a finalist on 04/22/2025
• 4-Star DL Elijah Golden
• 4-Star ATH Roman Voss - Named Alabama as a finalist on 05/07/2025
• 4-Star LB Nick Abrams - Named Alabama as a finalist on 05/01/2025
• 3-Star S Kaiden Hall - Named Alabama as a finalist on 11/28/2024
• 3-Star OT Wilson Zierer
• 5-Star WR Tristen Keys - Committed to LSU on 03/22/2025
• 3-Star DL Preston Carey - Named Alabama as a finalist on 04/28/2025
• 3-Star DL Tyson Bacon

Check out our Alabama football official visitor tracker for the full list of official visitors.

2026 Football Commits

1. CB Zyan Gibson, 5-foot-11, 177 lbs. - Gadsden, Alabama (Committed 12/24/2024)
2. CB Jorden Edmonds, 6-foot-2, 175 lbs. - Marietta, Georgia (Committed 03/26/2025)
3. EDGE Jamarion Matthews, 6-foot-2, 240 lbs. - Gainesville, Georgia (Committed 02/21/2025)
4. EDGE Kamhariyan Johnson, 6-foot-4, 260 lbs. - Muscle Shoals, Alabama (Committed 04/12/2025)
5. OL Chris Booker, 6-foot-4, 285 lbs. - Atlanta, Georgia (Committed 02/20/2025)
6. OL Sam Utu, 6-foot-4, 320 lbs. - Orange, California (Committed 06/09/2025)

Check out the Alabama football recruiting tracker to stay up to date with the 2026 class and beyond.