In a significant reaffirmation of commitment, Zyan Gibson, a highly-rated four-star cornerback and Alabama’s longest-standing commitment in the 2026 recruiting class, officially shut down his recruitment on Monday night. This decision comes amidst a period of intense recruiting activity and increasing “flip rumors” surrounding the talented in-state prospect, solidifying a crucial piece for Kalen DeBoer’s first full class in Tuscaloosa.
Gibson, hailing from Gadsden City, Alabama, initially committed to the Crimson Tide on Christmas Eve of 2024, making him the very first pledge in the 2026 cycle. His early commitment, occurring during the final weeks of Nick Saban’s legendary tenure, naturally raised questions about his resolve in the face of a coaching change. However, Zyan Gibson has now definitively answered those questions, publicly reiterating his dedication to the Alabama program.
The 6-foot-1, 174-pound cornerback is ranked as the No. 5 cornerback nationally and the No. 5 player in the state of Alabama by On3.com, and the No. 11 cornerback and No. 5 player in Alabama by 247Sports Composite. His impressive ranking underscores his importance to Alabama’s secondary, a position group that consistently produces elite NFL talent for the Crimson Tide.
Gibson’s decision to shut down his recruitment is particularly impactful given the intense pressure he faced from other top programs, especially within the Southeastern Conference. He took official visits to both Ole Miss and Tennessee during the summer, trips that inevitably fueled speculation about a potential flip. For a prospect to take multiple official visits after committing, only to return and reaffirm his original pledge while publicly ending his recruitment, speaks volumes about his conviction and the efforts of Kalen DeBoer’s staff.
Defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist, who oversees the cornerbacks, has been instrumental in maintaining Gibson’s commitment through the coaching transition. Linguist’s ability to build and sustain strong relationships with recruits has been a key factor in keeping the Crimson Tide’s defensive back recruiting pipeline robust. Gibson himself, in his announcement, reportedly had a message for other recruits: “They just need to come home.” This statement serves as a powerful endorsement of the new era at Alabama and could influence other in-state and national prospects considering the Crimson Tide.
The re-commitment of Zyan Gibson further solidifies what is shaping up to be another elite defensive back class for Alabama. He joins five-star Georgia native Jorden Edmonds, another highly-touted cornerback who committed to the Tide on March 26, 2025. These two cornerbacks alone form a formidable duo, providing immense talent and versatility to a position that demands both athleticism and cover skills in the modern game.
The defensive back recruiting momentum doesn’t stop there. Earlier on Monday, June 23, 2025, Alabama also landed a commitment from three-star safety Rihyael Kelley, who flipped his commitment from Rutgers. Kelley, a 6-foot-3 prospect out of Cincinnati, adds a much-needed physical presence at the safety position. Furthermore, Alabama is considered the favorite for five-star safety Jireh Edwards from Maryland, who is set to announce his commitment on July 5, 2025. Edwards recently cancelled his remaining official visits after his trip to Tuscaloosa in June, a strong indicator that he is leaning towards the Crimson Tide. If Alabama successfully lands Edwards as expected, it could effectively “wrap up” their 2026 defensive back class, marking another home run for Coach DeBoer and his staff, following an elite three-man class in 2025 that included Dijon Lee, Chuck McDonald, and Ivan Taylor.
For Kalen DeBoer, securing Gibson’s long-standing commitment is a testament to his staff’s ability to maintain continuity and build new, strong relationships despite the significant change at the top. When a new head coach takes over a powerhouse program, one of the biggest challenges is retaining the “legacy” commitments and convincing prospects that the vision and future remain just as bright. Gibson’s public reaffirmation is a clear victory in that regard. It showcases DeBoer’s commitment to prioritizing in-state talent and his ability to resonate with highly-rated prospects.
The defensive back room at Alabama is set to remain loaded. While senior Domani Jackson is expected to depart after the upcoming season, the return of players like Zabien Brown, Cam Calhoun, and Dijon Lee, combined with the incoming talent of Edmonds and Gibson (and potentially Edwards), ensures a deep and incredibly talented secondary for years to come under the guidance of Maurice Linguist.
In the volatile world of college football recruiting, especially with NIL and transfer portal dynamics, a firm, long-standing commitment is a gold standard. Zyan Gibson’s decision to shut down his recruitment and lock in with the Crimson Tide provides invaluable stability and a strong foundation for Alabama’s 2026 class. It signals to other recruits that the transition under Kalen DeBoer is seamless, and that the tradition of excellence in Tuscaloosa is continuing unabated.
