Saying Alabama and Kalen DeBoer are just “hot” on the recruiting trail right now doesn’t do justice to what’s happening. This run is on another level entirely.
Last summer’s impressive recruiting streak is starting to look ordinary compared to what DeBoer and GM Courtney Morgan are putting together for the 2026 class.
In June alone, Alabama has secured eight commitments, and that total could reach 10 if predictions hold true for 5-star linebacker Xavier Griffin and 3-star wide receiver Owen Cabell, who announce Sunday and Monday.
Things don’t look like they’ll slow down in July either. Alabama is favored to land 3-star receiver Brian Williams, 5-star receiver Cederian Morgan, and 5-star safety Jireh Edwards. Now, they’re projected to add another major recruit to that list.
Both Alabama recruiting insider Andrew Bone and On3 national recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong predicted on Saturday that 4-star defensive lineman Nolan Wilson will commit to Alabama. Wilson, the nation’s No. 3 defensive lineman, visited Tuscaloosa for his official visit from May 30 to June 1 and will announce his commitment on July 4.
Wilson has also officially visited Auburn, Ole Miss, and Miami (FL) this summer. The Hurricanes have made a stronger push than expected, but Alabama defensive line coach Freddie Roach’s early relationship with Wilson seems to be paying off.
Alabama was the first FBS program to offer Wilson back in October, a gesture he clearly remembers. Since then, his recruitment has skyrocketed, but that early evaluation by the Tide set them apart.
Wilson is among the most crucial remaining targets for Alabama. Football is always won in the trenches, no matter how creative offensive playcalling becomes. If you can’t control the line of scrimmage, no scheme matters.
Alabama’s defensive line talent has dipped slightly in recent years, but with LT Overton and James Smith joining veteran Tim Keenan in 2025, things could trend upward. Still, adding young talent remains essential.
They recently missed out on Titan Davis, who chose Michigan, and cannot afford to lose Wilson too.
Alabama already added 3-star defensive lineman JJ Finch to this class – a player with an offer sheet stronger than his ranking indicates – and has versatile defensive commits like Kamhariyan Johnson and Jamarion Matthews who could fill multiple roles.
They’re also in line to potentially land 5-star Anthony “Tank” Jones, who projects initially as a Wolf linebacker in Kane Wommack’s defense but could develop into a Bandit.
Securing both Jones and Wilson would be a huge win for DeBoer and would solidify Alabama’s defensive line for years to come.
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