The Alabama Crimson Tide’s 2026 recruiting class received another major boost with the latest update from 247Sports, confirming Ezavier Crowell as the No. 1 running back in the nation. The 5-star signee from Jackson High School in Jackson, Alabama, now sits at No. 18 nationally overall in the final Top247 rankings released in early February 2026. This places him ahead of all other RBs in the class, solidifying his status as the premier back in a loaded 2026 cycle. Additionally, Crowell is the No. 1 player in the state of Alabama, a crown that underscores his dominance in the Yellowhammer State and his value as an in-state gem for Kalen DeBoer’s program.
Crowell’s ascent reflects a remarkable trajectory. He originally reclassified from the 2027 class to 2026 last winter, skipping his senior high school season to enroll early at Alabama and participate in spring practices. This move allowed him to accelerate his development while maintaining elite five-star status across major services. In 247Sports’ final update (around February 2-3, 2026), he jumped spots—previously often ranked around No. 29 or lower in some lists—to crack the top 20 nationally. The jump of about 11 positions in recent evaluations highlights evaluators’ recognition of his production, athleticism, and readiness.
High School Dominance: Stats and Accolades
Crowell’s prep career at Jackson High School was nothing short of legendary. Over three varsity seasons (as a freshman through junior year), he amassed eye-popping numbers:
- 543 carries for 6,333 rushing yards (averaging over 11.7 yards per carry)
- 91 rushing touchdowns
- Added 25 receptions for 508 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns
Breaking it down by year (per 247Sports scouting reports and MaxPreps data):
- Freshman (2023): 166 carries for 1,737 yards (10.5 YPC) and 25 TDs; 11 catches for 212 yards and 4 TDs.
- Sophomore (2024): 168 carries for 1,964 yards (11.7 YPC) and 31 TDs; 9 catches for 258 yards and 2 TDs. Earned MaxPreps Sophomore All-American honors and helped lead Jackson to a state championship.
- Junior (2025): Despite missing the season opener due to AHSAA amateurism rules, he exploded for 209 carries, 2,632 yards (12.6 YPC), and 35 TDs. This set a new single-season rushing record for the school (surpassing his own previous mark), propelled Jackson to another 4A state title (13-2 record), and earned him statewide MVP honors, including Zaxby’s Player of the Year and MVP of the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game (10 carries for 60 yards and 1 TD).
These stats aren’t just volume—they showcase efficiency and explosiveness. Crowell averaged well north of 10 yards per carry consistently, blending power between the tackles with elusive wiggle in space. He also contributed as a receiver, proving his three-down potential. As a multi-sport athlete, he qualified for state in track (200-meter dash) with sprint times like 10.74 in the 100 and a wind-aided 22.38 in the 200, adding elite burst to his profile.
Evaluators praise his vision, contact balance, pad level, and ability to break tackles while maintaining speed through contact. At 5’11” and 205 pounds (some listings note up to 210-215), he has ideal size for the college level—sturdy enough for SEC physicality yet agile for big plays.
Recruiting Journey and Commitment to Alabama
Crowell committed to Alabama on June 26, 2025, choosing the Crimson Tide as a lifelong top school over offers from powerhouses like Auburn, Florida State, Texas, and others (he held around 34 offers). The in-state pull was massive—he stayed home despite national interest. He signed during the early period on December 3, 2025, and enrolled early in January 2026.
This commitment was a flagship win for DeBoer in retaining top Alabama talent post-Saban. Crowell’s decision reinforced Alabama’s pull in the NIL/portal era, where in-state stars often face temptations from bigger NIL collectives elsewhere.
Fit in Alabama’s Offense and Future Outlook
Under DeBoer, Alabama’s offense blends pro-style concepts with spread elements, emphasizing explosive runs and RPO opportunities. Crowell fits perfectly as a potential bellcow:
- Physical profile: Combines Derrick Henry-like power with Najee Harris-style receiving chops.
- Three-down ability: Vision for inside zone, burst for outside, and hands for checkdowns.
- Early impact potential: With his early enrollment, he’s already in Tuscaloosa for spring ball. ESPN highlighted him as the most “college-ready” RB in the 2026 class, citing maturity and production.
The RB room features depth (including portal additions like Khalifa Keith), but Crowell’s ranking and pedigree position him for early reps. Alabama’s history of developing RBs into NFL stars (Henry, Harris, Jacobs, etc.) bodes well—he could emerge as the next great Tide tailback.
Broader Impact on Alabama’s 2026 Class
Crowell’s elevation caps a stellar cycle for the Tide:
- Finished No. 2 nationally in the 247Sports Composite (behind USC’s volume-heavy class; Alabama at 26 commits with elite average rating).
- No. 1 in the SEC in many aggregates.
- Multiple five-stars: LB Xavier Griffin (No. 14 overall, No. 1 Edge), CB Jorden Edmonds (around top 20), S Jireh Edwards, QB Jett Thomalla, and now Crowell as the RB crown jewel.
- Alabama tied or led in five-star hauls in some rankings.
This group addresses key needs while maintaining elite talent infusion. Crowell’s No. 1 RB status adds hype—social media (Facebook, Instagram, X) exploded with “Roll Tide” celebrations, memes, and breakdowns of his highlights.
In a sport where recruiting momentum matters, Crowell’s rise signals Alabama’s sustained dominance. DeBoer has proven he can land and develop top talent, positioning the program for continued playoff contention.
As spring practices unfold, all eyes will be on Crowell. With his track record, the future looks bright for the Crimson Tide’s ground game. Roll Tide Roll.
