Bama Central

2029 RB Zion Ayangbile Speaks on Alabama vs. Vanderbilt, Upcoming Tuscaloosa Trip

The freshman back from Lucas, Texas is hoping to see the Crimson Tide exact its revenge on the Commodores this Saturday.
Mason Woods|
2029 RB Zion Ayangbile
2029 RB Zion Ayangbile | Credit @zionthelion125 on X

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Alabama Crimson Tide

The Crimson Tide is expected to host several high profile recruits for its upcoming showdown with Vanderbilt on Saturday, October 4, ranging from players that have already committed to Alabama, to those that Kalen DeBoer and the staff are hoping to eventually land the commitment of.

One player who will be in town is 2029 running back Zion Ayangbile from Lovejoy High School in Lucas, Texas. Though he is in just his first season of high school football, the 5-foot-9, 180 lb. prospect has already begun receiving interest from several power four programs.

He's competed at football camps for the Crimson Tide over the last year, as well as Texas A&M, Oklahoma, TCU and more.

Ayangbile spoke with Alabama Crimson Tide on SI about his upcoming trip to Tuscaloosa, as well as what he hopes to see from DeBoer's team in its revenge match against Vanderbilt.

Although the impressive back cannot actually receive a verbal scholarship offer until June 15 following his sophomore season, Ayangbile says he has been in contact with those in Tuscaloosa for awhile regarding the academic side of things.

"I've had a lot of contact with Tuscaloosa concerning school, but I can't be directly spoken to since I'm in the 2029 class," he said, "I've been visiting [Tuscaloosa] since the days of Saban."

He continued, "My family fell in love with Alabama. My older sister just got [accepted], and will be reporting next fall."

Speaking on last season's loss to Vanderbilt, Ayangbile said, "Last year's game was tough to watch. It honestly made me angry to see Alabama fall to Vanderbilt."

"This Saturday, I'm hoping to see Alabama show absolute dominance," he said, "I want to see them control the game and leave no doubt."

The running back continued, speaking on what the Crimson Tide needs to do in order to secure such a win, "I'm not really in a position to share strategies, but as a young guy who dreams of one day playing for the Tide, I just want to see them get a win."

"From a running back's perspective, I always feel like running the ball helps set the tone," he added.

He wrapped up with a score prediction, saying, "I'll just say Alabama by a lot. I'm looking for dominance."

Visitors for Vanderbilt Weekend

2026 Alabama 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)
  7. QB Jett Thomalla, 6-foot-3, 205 lbs. - Omaha, Nebraska (Committed 06/17/2025)
  8. DL JJ Finch, 6-foot-3, 260 lbs. - Indianapolis, Indiana (Committed 06/22/2025)
  9. RB Javari Barnett, 5-foot-11, 205 lbs. - Tampa Bay, Florida (Committed 06/23/2025)
  10. S Rihyael Kelley, 6-foot-3, 180 lbs. - Cincinnati, Ohio (Committed 06/23/2025)
  11. SN Eli Deutsch, 6-foot-2, 225 lbs. - Franklin, Wisconsin (Committed 06/24/2025)
  12. RB Ezavier Crowell, 5-foot-10, 210 lbs. - Jackson, Alabama (Committed 06/26/2025)
  13. TE Mack Sutter, 6-foot-5, 230 lbs. - Dunlap, Illinois (Committed 06/26/2025)
  14. LB Zay Hall, 6-foot-2, 222 lbs. - Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Committed 06/27/2025)
  15. LB Xavier Griffin, 6-foot-3, 200 lbs. - Gainesville, Georgia (Committed 06/29/2025)
  16. WR Owen Cabell, 6-foot-2, 201 lbs. - Nashville, Tennessee (Committed 06/30/2025)
  17. WR Brian Williams, Jr., 6-foot-4, 185 lbs. - Lake Mary, Florida (Committed 07/01/2025)
  18. WR Cederian Morgan, 6-foot-4, 220 lbs - Alexander City, Alabama (Committed 07/02/2025)
  19. DL Nolan Wilson, 6-foot-4, 250 lbs. - Picayune, Mississippi (Committed 07/04/2025)
  20. S Jireh Edwards, 6-foot-2, 210 lbs. - Baltimore, Maryland (Committed 07/05/2025)
  21. QB Tayden Kaawa, 6-foot-5, 235 lbs. - Orem, Utah (Committed 07/22/2025)
  22. OT Bear Fretwell, 6-foot-6, 295 lbs. - Brooklet, Georgia (Committed 07/25/25)

2027 Alabama Football Commits

  1. ATH Alexander Ward, 6-foot-1, 170 lbs. - Marietta, Georgia (Committed 11/26/2024)
  2. EDGE Jabarrius Garror, 6-foot-2, 200 lbs. - Mobile, Alabama (Committed 07/31/2024)
  3. IOL Jatori Williams, 6-foot-5, 320 lbs. - Phenix City, Alabama (Committed 09/29/2025)

Check out the Alabama Football Recruiting Tracker to stay up to date with the 2026 class, 2027 class and beyond.

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Mason Woods
MASON WOODS

Mason Woods is the lead recruiting writer for Alabama Crimson Tide On SI/BamaCentral, Vanderbilt Commodores on SI, Boston College Eagles on SI and Missouri Tigers on SI. The Alabama graduate has worked in sports media since 2020, beginning his career in radio production with Tide 100.9 FM in Tuscaloosa. Woods has produced a multitude of live programs and has even hosted his own shows as well. He’s regularly part of “The Joe Gaither Show” on weekdays and serves as host of the “All Things Bama Podcast.”

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