These prospects form the cornerstone of a class that, according to major recruiting services like 247Sports composite rankings (which aggregate ratings from 247Sports, Rivals, ESPN, and On3), finished No. 2 nationally behind USC (which had more total signees, around 36 vs. Alabama’s 26). Some outlets and social media posts referenced No. 3, likely reflecting pre-signing day projections, On3/Rivals industry rankings (where Alabama sat around No. 5 in some aggregates), or specific snapshots. However, post-National Signing Day consensus places Alabama at No. 2 overall and No. 1 in the SEC, ahead of Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and others.
This achievement underscores DeBoer’s recruiting prowess in a post-NIL, transfer portal era where retaining and attracting top talent requires aggressive NIL facilitation, strong staff relationships, and selling a vision of immediate playing time and NFL development.
The Five-Star Headliners
- Xavier Griffin (5-star LB/Edge, Gainesville, GA) Widely regarded as one of the class’s premier defensive talents, Griffin is a versatile 6-3, 205-pound athlete who excels as an edge rusher with explosive first-step quickness, bend, and power. Ranked as high as No. 13-14 overall and No. 1 at his position in some services, he chose Alabama over Georgia and others, bolstering the Tide’s front seven. His addition addresses depth needs at edge and linebacker, especially with potential NFL departures looming.
- Ezavier Crowell (5-star RB, Jackson, AL) A home-state gem from Jackson High School, Crowell (5-11, 210) is a powerful, decisive runner with elite vision, contact balance, and burst. Often ranked No. 1 RB nationally (or No. 2 behind a peer), he stayed in-state despite heavy pursuit. In an offense that thrives on explosive plays, Crowell projects as a potential three-down back who can contribute early, reminiscent of past Alabama stars like Derrick Henry or Najee Harris.
- Jorden Edmonds (5-star CB, Marietta, GA) At 6-2.5, 175 pounds, Edmonds brings length, fluidity, and ball skills to the secondary. Ranked among the top corners (No. 1 in some early lists, top-4 in final), he flips the script on Georgia’s in-state dominance. Alabama’s secondary, a perennial strength, gains another lockdown piece to pair with returning talent and transfers.
- Jireh Edwards (5-star S, Baltimore, MD via St. Frances Academy) A rangy, physical safety (6-2, 210), Edwards excels in coverage, run support, and versatility. Ranked No. 2 at safety, his commitment from the East Coast highlights Alabama’s national reach under DeBoer. He adds depth to a position group that needs athleticism in modern defenses.
- Jett Thomalla (5-star QB, Omaha, NE) The class’s quarterback prize, Thomalla (6-3.5, 230) is a prototypical pro-style passer with arm strength, accuracy, mobility, and poise. Ranked No. 3 QB nationally, he provides long-term stability behind current starter or transfers. In DeBoer’s air-raid influenced system, Thomalla’s skill set fits perfectly for developing into a high-level starter.
(Note: Some sources list only four five-stars for Alabama in final tallies, with Thomalla as a high four-star in certain ratings, but social media and early reports often grouped him in the five-star tier based on composite momentum.)
Overall Class Breakdown and Impact
Alabama signed 26 prospects in total: approximately 4-5 five-stars, 10 four-stars, and the rest three-stars or high-three prospects. Standouts beyond the top five include four-star WR Cederian Morgan (in-state talent), DL Jamarion Matthews, and others filling needs at OL, DL, and skill positions.
- Strengths: Elite skill-position talent (QB, RB, WR/CB/S), strong Georgia inroads (multiple top prospects flipped or pulled), and in-state retention (Crowell as flagship). The class addresses defensive backfield and front-seven depth while securing a future QB.
- National/SEC Standing: No. 2 composite (247Sports), top in SEC. USC edged out due to volume, but Alabama’s average rating per player is elite. Oregon, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Georgia trail.
- DeBoer’s Recruiting Evolution: After a transitional 2024-2025 period (roster turnover, portal activity), DeBoer and staff (including recruiters like Courtney Morgan) proved they can compete at Saban levels. NIL collectives, facility upgrades, and playoff contention (assuming 2025 progress) fueled this haul.
Broader Context in College Football
In the NIL era, recruiting is as much about resources as relationships. Alabama’s success shows sustained dominance: even post-Saban, the brand, facilities, and championship pedigree attract blue-chippers. The class counters narratives of decline, positioning the Tide for sustained contention in an expanded playoff landscape.
Challenges remain—integration, development, portal retention—but this group provides a foundation. With Crowell powering the run game, Edmonds/Edwards fortifying the secondary, Griffin disrupting edges, and Thomalla developing under center, the 2026 class could yield multiple early contributors and future All-SEC/NFL talents.
This haul reaffirms Alabama’s status as a recruiting juggernaut. Under DeBoer, the Crimson Tide aren’t rebuilding—they’re reloading with elite talent ready to chase titles. Roll Tide.
