Alabama Lands Commitment From 3-Star In-State EDGE

The Crimson Tide added another commitment to an already strong 2026 class this week, welcoming a talented edge rusher from Daphne, Alabama into the fold.

Nov 23, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide helmet prior to a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | William Purnell-Imagn Images

While the early signing period is less than 24 hours away, Alabama's 2026 recruiting class is still taking shape as the Tide welcomed yet another commitment into the fold this week.

3-Star edge rusher Malique Franklin from Daphne, Alabama made his commitment to the Crimson Tide official on Tuesday, December 2, taking to social media for his announcement.

Blessed for the opportunity #RollTide pic.twitter.com/n02Gf2tkG4

— Malique’ Franklin (@MaliqueNxt) December 2, 2025

Standing at 6-foot-5, 250 lbs., 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.

Franklin is ranked as the No. 44 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 17 player in the state of Alabama, according to 247Sports' composite ranking. As a senior for Daphne High School, he helped lead his team to a 9-3 overall record with a berth in the second round of the Alabama 7A state playoffs.

The impressive defender logged a whopping 98 tackles, 23.0 TFL's and 11 sacks this fall, and is now the 26th commit of the class for Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide staff.

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. QB Jett Thomalla, 6-foot-3, 205 lbs. - Omaha, Nebraska (Committed 06/17/2025)
7. DL JJ Finch, 6-foot-3, 260 lbs. - Indianapolis, Indiana (Committed 06/22/2025)
8. RB Javari Barnett, 5-foot-11, 205 lbs. - Tampa Bay, Florida (Committed 06/23/2025)
9. S Rihyael Kelley, 6-foot-3, 180 lbs. - Cincinnati, Ohio (Committed 06/23/2025)
10. SN Eli Deutsch, 6-foot-2, 225 lbs. - Franklin, Wisconsin (Committed 06/24/2025)
11. RB Ezavier Crowell, 5-foot-10, 210 lbs. - Jackson, Alabama (Committed 06/26/2025)
12. TE Mack Sutter, 6-foot-5, 230 lbs. - Dunlap, Illinois (Committed 06/26/2025)
13. LB Zay Hall, 6-foot-2, 222 lbs. - Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Committed 06/27/2025)
14. LB Xavier Griffin, 6-foot-3, 200 lbs. - Gainesville, Georgia (Committed 06/29/2025)
15. WR Owen Cabell, 6-foot-2, 201 lbs. - Nashville, Tennessee (Committed 06/30/2025)
16. WR Brian Williams, Jr., 6-foot-4, 185 lbs. - Lake Mary, Florida (Committed 07/01/2025)
17. WR Cederian Morgan, 6-foot-4, 220 lbs - Alexander City, Alabama (Committed 07/02/2025)
18. DL Nolan Wilson, 6-foot-4, 250 lbs. - Picayune, Mississippi (Committed 07/04/2025)
19. S Jireh Edwards, 6-foot-2, 210 lbs. - Baltimore, Maryland (Committed 07/05/2025)
20. QB Tayden Kaawa, 6-foot-5, 235 lbs. - Orem, Utah (Committed 07/22/2025)
21. OT Bear Fretwell, 6-foot-6, 295 lbs. - Brooklet, Georgia (Committed 07/25/25)
22. OT Jared Doughty, 6-foot-5, 300 lbs. - Atlanta, Georgia (Committed 10/05/2025)
23. EDGE Corey Howard, 6-foot-6, 245 lbs. - Valdosta, Georgia (Committed 10/19/2025)
24. OL Tyrell Miller, 6-foot-5, 305 lbs. - College of San Mateo (Committed 11/29/2025)
25. TE Jude Cascone, 6-foot-2, 225 lbs. - Marietta, Georgia (Committed 11/30/2025)
26. EDGE Malique Franklin, 6-foot-5, 250 lbs. - Daphne, Alabama (Committed 12/02/2025)