Alabama Early Signing Day Tracker: Every Player Coming to the Program in 2026

In this story:
Full List of 2026 Early Signees
Name | Position | Hometown | High School | Height and Weight | National Ranking, per 247Sports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Xavier Griffin | Linebacker | Gainesville, Georgia | Gainesville | 6-foot-3, 200 lbs. | 17 |
Tyrell Miller | Offensive line | San Mateo, California | College of San Mateo (JUCO) | 6-foot-5, 305 lbs. | not ranked |
Mack Sutter | Tight end | Dunlap, Illinois | Dunlap | 6-foot-5, 230 lbs. | 112 |
Cederian Morgan | Wide receiver | Alexander City, Alabama | Benjamin Russell | 6-foot-4, 210 lbs. | 40 |
Jamarion Matthews | EDGE | Gainesville, Georgia | Gainesville | 6-foot-2, 240 lbs. | 52 |
Nolan Wilson | Defensive line | Picayune, Mississippi | Picayune | 6-foot-4, 250 lbs. | 53 |
Tayden Kaawa | Quarterback | Orem, Utah | Orem | 6-foot-5, 235 lbs. | 495 |
Malique Franklin | EDGE | Daphne, Alabama | Daphne | 6-foot-5, 250 lbs. | 496 |
Zyan Gibson | Cornerback | Gadsen City, Alabama | Gadsen | 6-foot, 174 lbs. | 51 |
Kamhariyan Johnson | Defensive line | Muscle Shoals, Alabama | Muscle Shoals | 6-foot-3, 262 lbs. | 283 |
Jett Thomalla | Quarterback | Omaha, Nebraska | Millard South | 6-foot-4, 220 lbs | 57 |
Ezavier Crowell | Running back | Jackson, Alabama | Jackson | 5-foot-11, 205 lbs. | 29 |
Zay Hall | Linebacker | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Hillcrest | 6-foot-3, 222 lbs. | 1,310 |
Jared Doughty | Offensive line | Atlanta, Georgia | Banneker | 6-foot-6, 300 lbs. | 214 |
Jireh Edwards | Safety | Baltimore, Maryland | St. Frances | 6-foot-2, 210 lbs. | 32 |
Chris Booker | Offensive line | Atlanta, Georgia | Hapeville Charter | 6-foot-4, 285 lbs. | 222 |
Corey Howard | Defensive line | Valdosta, Georgia | Valdosta | 6-foot-6, 245 lbs. | 572 |
Rihyael Kelley | Safety | Cincinnati, Ohio | Winton Woods | 6-foot-3, 180 lbs. | 546 |
Bear Fretwell | Offensive line | Atlanta, Georgia | Southeast Bulloch | 6-foot-7, 290 lbs. | 739 |
Jorden Edmonds | Cornerback | Marietta, Georgia | Sprayberry | 6-foot-2, 175 lbs. | 25 |
Position Breakdowns
Alabama holds 13 offensive commits in the 2026 class, ranging from dynamic quarterbacks, to dominant weapons, and even the players that protect them both.
Despite already featuring two impressive backup signal callers in Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, the Tide took commitments from two promising quarterbacks in the 2026 class. The first was Omaha, Nebraska native and 4-Star prospect Jett Thomalla, who flipped his commitment from Iowa State to join the Crimson Tide in July of this year. The following month, Alabama landed Tayden Kaawa, a massive, 6-foot-5, 235 lb. prospect from Orem High School in Utah.
As for weapons for the two impressive quarterbacks, Alabama picked up commitments from two running backs, three wide receivers and two tight ends, all of which look as if they could make an early impact in their time with the Tide. The most impressive members of the group are 5-Stars Ezavier Crowell and Cederian Morgan, a pair of truly elite talents, both from the state of Alabama.
While the quarterbacks and other skill positions always receive most of the attention, the Crimson Tide did manage to address the trenches, bringing in four linemen to protect their new offensive investments. While the commits between the guard and tackle spots are certainly all impressive, one trend is seemingly clear this offseason, and that is that Alabama wants to slim down along the offensive line and potentially play with a bit more athleticism as opposed to brute size and strength.
Unlike the current members of the Crimson Tide line, many of which hover around the 350 lb. mark, Alabama's 2026 commits are mostly at or around 300 lbs. while still maintaining the same impressive stature.
Defense
On the defensive side of the ball, the Tide was just as, if not more successful than it was with the offensive haul. Not only did Alabama land three 5-Star commits for its defense, but each of them are at truly premium positions: edge rusher and defensive back.
Between the 11 commits on the defensive end, four are defensive backs, five are edge defenders or pure defensive linemen and the remaining two are dominant linebacker prospects.
The most notable names of the group include the aforementioned 5-Star prospects Xavier Griffin, Jireh Edwards and Jorden Edmonds. While the top of the group is certainly impressive, Alabama also managed to land several players that could be considered more underrated, but still look to be high ceiling prospects nonetheless.
In all, Kane Wommack and the Crimson Tide's defensive staff made it very clear what types of players they wanted to target in this class, and they were able to land those types of prospects at nearly every position.
Top Commitments in the Class
Xavier Griffin

The previously mentioned 5-Star linebacker is worth bringing up a second time simply because that is the caliber of prospect he is. Griffin is ranked as the No. 1 player at his position in the class and the No. 2 overall prospect in the state of Georgia, according to 247Sports' composite ranking.
As senior for Gainesville High School, Griffin has helped lead his team to the third round of the Georgia state playoffs, compiling 78 tackles, 12.0 TFL's and 4.0 sacks on the way there.
Jireh Edwards

Another one of Alabama's previously mentioned 5-Star commits, Edwards is a lengthy, hard hitting safety prospect from one of the top high school football programs in the entire nation. In fact, this season he's helped lead his team, St. Frances Academy, all they way to a first of its kind national championship matchup against Corner Canyon High School from Utah.
Standing at 6-foot-2, 210 lbs. Edwards has a bigger frame than most defensive backs, and is able to use to it his advantage in both the run and pass game. He is a stout run defender, not afraid to get downhill and make a play at the line of scrimmage, but he also excels in pass coverage, utilizing his lengthy frame to shut down opposing wideouts.
Cederian Morgan

While it may be a lofty comparison for an incoming freshman, Morgan looks to be an updated version of Crimson Tide legend Julio Jones. Standing at 6-foot-4, 210 lbs., the Alexander City, Alabama native has a similar build to that of the all time Alabama great, and is able to use it to his advantage, much like Jones did in his time in Crimson and White.
As a senior this season, he hauled in an incredible 82 receptions for 1,419 yards and 16 touchdowns, helping his team to a 12-2 record, culminating with a third round berth in the state playoffs.
Ezavier Crowell

One of the most electrifying prospects in the entire 2026 class, Crowell is as dominant a back as has been seen in recent years. He stands 5-foot-11, 205 lbs., but is able to use his compact frame to absolutely decimate opposing defenses. Originally a member of the 2027 class, Crowell reclassified in January of 2025, and has now put together one of the most incredible senior campaigns in recent memory.
In 13 games for Jackson High School, the 5-Star back has rushed for 2,324 yards and 30 touchdowns on just 184 carries -- good enough for 11.6 yards per rush. He is set to play in the state championship game on December 6 against Anniston High School.
Signee Breakdown
1. S Jireh Edwards, 6-foot-2, 210 lbs. - Baltimore, Maryland
Just Press Play ▶️@jaygolive1k joins the Bama family!#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/4nER7C3tCk
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Rankings
Consensus: 5-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 32 nationally, No. 3 position, No. 4 state
Rivals: No. 21 nationally, No. 1 position, No. 3 state
Notable Offers: Auburn, Georgia, Arkansas
Scouting Report
One of the Tide’s five 5-Star commits in the 2026 class, Edwards could possibly become the most impactful as a true freshman. He is a 6-foot-2, 210 lb. safety, hailing from the well-known St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland.
Edwards is a naturally instinctive defender, using his impressive size paired with his athleticism to dominate the defensive backfield, and lock down opposing wideouts. He helped St. Frances to an 8-1 record as a senior, culminating with an upcoming trip to the Overtime National Championship on December 10 against Corner Canyon High School from Utah.
With the Tide potentially facing the replacement of a few key defensive backs next season, Edwards could find an opportunity early to work his way into the rotation.
2. OL Chris Booker, 6-foot-4, 285 lbs. - Atlanta, Georgia
Settin’ the charts on fire 🔥📈@ChrisBooker72 joins the Bama family!#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/HAmQaTeR8I
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Ranking
Consensus: 4-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 222 nationally, No. 13 position, No. 26 state
Rivals: No. 240 nationally, No. 18 position, No. 30 state
Notable Offers: Georgia, Florida, Ole Miss
Scouting Report
Booker was the first offensive line commit of the class for DeBoer and the Alabama staff. Rated as a 4-Star prospect, he stands 6-foot-4, 285 lbs. And has great athleticism for his size.
He hails from Hapeville Charter High School in Atlanta, Georgia, and while his team struggled a bit this season, finishing 6-4 in the regulars season, the Hornets have come alive in the playoffs and are set to face off against Sumter County High School in the state semifinals.
3. EDGE Corey Howard, 6-foot-6, 245 lbs. - Valdosta, Georgia
Bama on repeat 🔁
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Welcome to the Bama Family, @howard_cor60160 !#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/dQ1FFJtpvr
Rankings
Consensus: 4-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 572 nationally, No. 59 position, No. 62 state
Rivals: No. 593 nationally, No. 62 position, No. 66 state
Notable Offers: Georgia, Florida
Scouting Report
Howard, who hails from Valdosta, Georgia, is one of the most recent additions to Alabama’s 2026 class, having flipped his commitment from Georgia in October of this year. Rated as a 3-Star edge defender, Howard possesses incredible strength paired with unique quickness for a player his size.
4. S Rihyael Kelley, 6-foot-3, 180 lbs. - Cincinnati, Ohio
Greatness Spinning 👑@RihyaelK joins the Bama family!#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/FWfZ0EVuob
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Scouting Report
Consensus: 3-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 546 nationally, No. 44 position, No. 30 state
Rivals: No. 560 nationally, No. 48 position, No. 30 state
Notable Offers: Vanderbilt, West Virginia
Scouting Report
Kelley is one of the most physically impressive prospects in not only Alabama’s recruiting class, but the entire nation as a whole. Hailing from Winton Woods High School in Cincinnati, he is an extremely lengthy defensive back with a 6-foot-3, 180 lb. frame.
He is an excellent athlete with the ability to cover a massive amount of space across the defensive backfield. He fits right into the mold of what Kane Wommack and the Alabama defensive staff have targeted since stepping on campus as a long, incredibly rangy safety prospect.
5. OT Bear Fretwell, 6-foot-7, 290 lbs. - Brooklet, Georgia
Turntable Truth 💯
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Welcome to the Bama Family, @bear_fretwell !#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/MSWu6tD3Zr
Rankings
Consensus: 3-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 739 nationally, No. 64 position, No. 79 state
Rivals: No. 764, No. 75 position, No. 83 state
Notable Offers: Georgia Tech, Florida State
Scouting Report
Originally committed to Georgia Tech, Fretwell flipped his pledge to the Crimson Tide in July of this year. He is a massive offensive line prospect, standing 6-foot-7, 290 lbs., but remains an extremely athletic offensive lineman with smooth footwork and fast hands. Though he enters a relatively loaded room, the Georgia native is a very high ceiling prospect.
6. CB Jorden Edmonds, 6-foot-2, 175 lbs. - Marietta, Georgia
Settin’ the charts on fire 🔥📈@JordenEdmonds joins the Bama family!#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/RGHpy3DTV3
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Rankings
Consensus: 5-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 25 nationally, No. 2 position, No. 4 state
Rivals: No. 34 nationally, No. 3 position, No. 5 state
Notable Offers: Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia
Scouting Report
Edmonds is an electrifying cornerback prospect that certainly fits the mold of what Kane Wommack and the Crimson Tide defensive staff have been looking for in members of the secondary. He has a lengthy frame, standing at 6-foot-2, 175 lbs. and is excellent in coverage.
He originally committed in March of 2025, choosing Alabama over the likes of Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and many more high level power four programs.
7. OT Jared Doughty, 6-foot-5, 300 lbs. - Atlanta, Georgia
Spinnin’ something special 😮💨
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Welcome to the Bama Family, @JaredDoughty55 !#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/YAAIvakjTB
Rankings
Consensus: 4-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 214 nationally, No. 22 position, No. 25 state
Rivals: No. 239 nationally, No. 22 position, No. 27 state
Notable Offers: Georgia, Auburn, Missouri
Scouting Report
Another Peach State native, Doughty stands 6-foot-5, 300 lbs., and announced his commitment to Alabama in October of this year. Prior to his announcement, the impressive 4-Star prospect held offers from the likes of Missouri, Georgia, Ohio State and many more.
8. LB Zay Hall, 6-foot-2, 222 lbs. - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Greatness Spinning 👑@HallZay1 joins the Bama family!#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/dlBdm0Clnf
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Rankings
Consensus: 3-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 1310 nationally, No. 115 position, No. 49 state
Rivals: No. 1308 nationally, No. 120 position, No. 49 state
Notable Offers: Mississippi State, Arkansas
Scouting Report
Hailing from Hillcrest High School right at home in Tuscaloosa, Hall is a truly impressive linebacker prospect. He stands 6-foot-2, 222 lbs. and has the skill set to both dominate in the run and pass game. Hall's excellent athleticism makes him a problem for opposing offenses in coverage, but his fearlessness in getting downhill to make stops in the run game makes him a special prospect.
He committed to Alabama in June of this year, and has been a constant figure on the Crimson Tide home sidelines throughout this season. While he enters a relatively loaded room, Hall is a player that could potentially compete for playing time early.
9. RB Ezavier Crowell, 5-foot-10, 210 lbs. - Jackson, Alabama
Turntable Truth 💯
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Welcome to the Bama Family, @EzavierCrowell !#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/Fc5p6XbQGM
Rankings
Consensus: 5-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 14 nationally, No. 2 position, No. 2 state
Rivals: No. 18 nationally, No. 2 position, No. 1 state
Notable Offers: Texas, Georgia, Auburn
Scouting Report
Arguably the most exciting prospect of the class for the Crimson Tide, Crowell is one of the top running backs in the nation. Coming out of Jackson High School in Jackson, Alabama, the 5-foot-10, 205 lb. 5-Star back put up video game numbers throughout his senior season.
Through 14 games so far, he has compiled a jaw dropping 2,234 rushing yards with 30 touchdowns, and led his team to a 12-2 record with a berth in the state title game on December 5. While he enters a stacked room that features many other former 5-Star prospects, Crowell looks to be a truly dynamic talent at the running back position that will likely be hard to keep off the field.
10. QB Jett Thomalla, 6-foot-3, 205 lbs. - Omaha, Nebraska
Settin’ the charts on fire 🔥📈@JettThomalla joins the Bama family!#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/C8AZcmDjgX
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Rankings
Consensus: 4-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 57 nationally, No. 5 position, No. 1 state
Rivals: No. 71 nationally, No. 7 position, No. 1 state
Notable Offers: Iowa State, Arizona, Missouri
Scouting Report
The Tide’s first quarterback commit of the class, Thomalla is an extremely gifted signal caller from Omaha, Nebraska. As a senior for Millard South High School, the impressive prospect threw for over 3,000 yards with 51 touchdowns to just four interceptions.
While his numbers are certainly eye-popping, the most impressive stat of Thomalla’s varsity career is the fact that he completed over 70 percent of his passes. He is incredibly accurate at all levels of the field, and while he’s entering a stacked room, could certainly be a factor in the upcoming Crimson Tide quarterback competition.
11. EDGE Kamhariyan Johnson, 6-foot-4, 260 lbs. - Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Bama on repeat 🔁
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Welcome to the Bama Family, @mharijohnson !#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/J1X4VWq9IO
Rankings
Consensus: 3-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 283 nationally, No. 28 position, No. 14 state
Rivals: No. 286 nationally, No. 33 position, No. 15 state
Notable Offers: Ole Miss, Clemson, Auburn
Scouting Report
Johnson, who hails from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, is a massive defensive line prospect who looks to be an absolute wrecking ball for the Crimson Tide defensive front. While he is rated as just a 3-Star prospect, Johnson has been a disruptive force all season for Muscle Shoals High School, helping his team to an undefeated regular season and a berth in the state semifinals.
12. CB Zyan Gibson, 6-foot, 174 lbs. - Gadsden, Alabama
Just Press Play ▶️@ZyanGibson joins the Bama family!#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/VFFbltxR6r
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Rankings
Consensus: 4-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 51 nationally, No. 6 position, No. 4 state
Rivals: No. 65 nationally, No. 9 position, No. 4 state
Notable Offers: Tennessee, Texas A&M, Auburn
Scouting Report
The first commitment of the class for the Crimson Tide, Gibson is a talented in-state prospect from Gadsden, Alabama. He stands 6-foot, 174 lbs., and while that is a bit atypical compared to what Kane Wommack’s staff has targeted previously, he makes up for it with speed and fluidity in coverage.
Gibson is extremely versatile, splitting time as both a defender and return specialist this fall for Gadsden City High School. He possesses game breaking speed, and could bring a truly unique dynamic to Wommack’s defense.
13. Malique Franklin, 6-foot-6, 252 lbs. - Daphne, Alabama
Greatness Spinning 👑@MaliqueNxt joins the Bama family!#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/kczolhBNRj
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Rankings
Consensus: 3-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 496 nationally, No. 51 position, No. 17 state
Rivals: No. 521 nationally, No. 51 position, No. 19 state
Notable Offers: Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Mississippi State
Scouting Report
Franklin is a physically impressive edge defender with a lengthy frame that can easily shed opposing offensive linemen. He has great burst off the ball, and despite his taller stature, possesses excellent bend around the edge.
14. QB Tayden Kaawa, 6-foot-5, 235 lbs. - Orem, Utah
Turntable Truth 💯
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Welcome to the Bama Family, @Tayden1Kaawa !#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/scQV9iFP6L
Rankings
Consensus: 3-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 495 nationally, No. 31 position, No. 11 state
Rivals: No. 595 nationally, No. 35 position, No. 12 state
Notable Offers: Arizona State, Oregon
Scouting Report
The second quarterback commit of the class for the Crimson Tide, Kaawa is an impressive prospect out of Orem, Utah. He stands 6-foot-5, 235 lbs. and is able to use his massive frame to not only dominate from the pocket, but also gain tough yardage on the ground when the time calls.
As a senior this fall, the massive signal caller completed over 60 percent of his passes for 2,503 yards and 34 touchdowns to just eight interceptions. He is rated as just a 3-Star prospect, but held offers from several major Power Four programs before committing to Alabama in July of this year.
15. DL Nolan Wilson, 6-foot-4, 250 lbs. - Picayune, Mississippi
Settin’ the charts on fire 🔥📈@NolanWilson74 joins the Bama family!#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/bcFyEfJZYB
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Rankings
Consensus: 4-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 53 nationally, No. 5 position, No. 3 state
Rivals: No. 69 nationally, No. 6 position, No. 5 state
Notable Offers: Miami, Texas A&M, Auburn
Scouting Report
Wilson is a massive defensive line prospect from Picayune, Mississippi, standing 6-foot-4, 250 lbs. with extremely quick hands and incredible burst off the ball. He put together an impressive senior year for PIcayune High School, finishing with 70 tackles, 17.0 TFL’s and 10.0 sacks.
Wilson helped lead his team to a 10-3 finish with a berth in the state semifinals.
16. EDGE Jamarion Matthews, 6-foot-2, 240 lbs. - Gainesville, Georgia
Bama on repeat 🔁
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Welcome to the Bama Family, @marion_matt26 !#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/uCLN0ZrMDI
Rankings
Consensus: 4-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 52 nationally, No. 4 position, No. 6 state
Rivals: No. 55 nationally, No. 9 position, No. 7 state
Notable Offers: Florida State, Auburn, Arkansas
Scouting Report
Matthews is one of the most impressive defenders out of the Peach State, hailing from Gainesville High School. He stands 6-foot-2, 240 lbs., and is a relentless pass rusher.
In eleven games for the Red Elephant, Matthews compiled an incredible 47 tackles, 18.0 TFL’s and 8.0 sacks. He is a versatile piece along the defensive line, seeing time in multiple different roles this season, and finding success in each of them.
Paired alongside his high school teammate, 5-Star linebacker Xavier Griffin, the duo will form a game wrecking pair for the Crimson Tide defense.
17. WR Cederian Morgan, 6-foot-4, 220 lbs - Alexander City, Alabama
Bama on repeat 🔁
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Welcome to the Bama Family, @cedeian2 !#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/emdhvzPWMs
Rankings
Consensus: 4-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 40 nationally, No. 5 position, No. 3 state
Rivals: No. 44 nationally, No. 5 position, No. 3 state
Notable Offers: Auburn, Florida, Georgia
Scouting Report
The highest rated receiver commit in the class for the Crimson Tide, Morgan is one of the most talented prospects in the nation, period. He possesses a massive, 6-foot-4, 220 lb., frame, but is able to move as if he is a slot receiver.
He suited up for Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City, Alabama, and, as a senior, hauled in 82 receptions for 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns. While his team came up short in the state playoffs, Morgan was a constant threat to impose his will on a game and dominate an opposing defense almost single handedly. Though it may be a lofty comparison, the 5-Star wideout looks to have many similar traits to that of Crimson Tide legend Julio Jones.
18. OL Tyrell Miller, 6-foot-5, 305 lbs. - Union City, California
Spinnin’ something special 😮💨
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Welcome to the Bama Family, @Tmiller63JL !#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/e875QVIJ1g
Rankings
Consensus: not ranked (JUCO prospect)
247Sports: not ranked
Rivals: not ranked
Scouting Report
A former JUCO prospect, Miller made his commitment to Alabama on November 30 after spending a season with College of San Mateo in Union City, California. He stands 6-foot-5, 305 lbs., and has helped lead San Mateo to an impressive 10-1 record with just one game remaining against Modesto Junior College for the Northern California Football Regional Finals.
19. TE Mack Sutter, 6-foot-5, 230 lbs. - Dunlap, Illinois
Spinnin’ something special 😮💨
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Welcome to the Bama Family, @M4ckSutter !#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/GYp7re2DAM
Rankings
Consensus: 4-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 112 nationally, No. 5 position, No. 2 state
Rivals: No. 110 nationally, No. 5 position, No. 1 state
Notable Offers: Ohio State, Ole Miss, Illinois
Scouting Report
Hailing from Dunlap, Illinois, Sutter is a 6-foot-5, 230 lb. tight end prospect with an incredibly high ceiling as a player. He is extremely dynamic in his skill set, utilizing his big frame to both dominate as a blocker, and haul in contested catches downfield.
He held offers from several major Power Four schools before committing to the Crimson Tide in June of this year.
20. LB Xavier Griffin, 6-foot-3, 200 lbs. - Gainesville, Georgia
Just Press Play ▶️@zay_social joins the Bama family!#Legends26 pic.twitter.com/eakBmB8JY2
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 3, 2025
Rankings
Consensus: 5-Star prospect
247Sports: No. 17 nationally, No. 1 position, No. 2 state
Rivals: No. 20 nationally, No. 2 position, No. 3 state
Notable Offers: Florida State, Texas, Ohio State
Scouting Report
Possibly the most impressive defender of the class for the Crimson Tide, Griffin is a 5-Star linebacker ranked as the No. 1 player at his position in the entire nation, according to 247Sports’ composite ranking. He stands 6-foot-3, 200 lbs. and has the range to effectively dominate opposing offenses from almost anywhere on the field.
He is an excellent athlete, using his size and speed to both quickly diagnose run plays, and lock down backs and tight ends in the pass game. Like many of his fellow signees, Griffin was a near constant figure on home Crimson Tide sidelines this fall, proving just how ready he is to suit up in Tuscaloosa.
2026 Crimson Tide Decommitments
Alabama did suffer six decommitments in the 2026 cycle, all but one of which have found a new school.
Player | New School |
|---|---|
Vodney Cleveland | Texas (06/21/2025) |
Dorian Barney | Ole Miss (09/28/2025) |
Zykie Helton | Georgia (06/11/2025) |
Sam Utu | SMU (12/3/25 - committed on signing day) |
Jamarrion Gordon | North Carolina (06/25/2025) |
Illinois (12/3/25 - flipped on signing day) |
Final Class Ranking
When Kalen DeBoer and his staff arrived on campus, they were forced to scramble in order piece together the remnants of what was left in the 2024 class following Nick Saban's departure. That year saw the Crimson Tide finish with the second ranked unit in the nation, and now, in 2026, DeBoer and the staff have done it again. As of now, Alabama holds the nation's second ranked unit, according to 247Sports' composite ranking.
While the second year head coach has yet to secure a No. 1 group, like Saban did so many times before him, he is clearly making his presence felt on the recruiting trail.
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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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