Alabama Becomes One of Two College Football Programs to Achieve Crazy Feat

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 4:13 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide is no longer run by legendary head coach Nick Saban, who retired following the 2023 season.

Kalen DeBoer now runs the show in Tuscaloosa after a successful two-year stint with the Washington Huskies. However, things did not transition as well as fans had hoped for him, and he finished the 2024 season at 9-4.

On the field, results are still a work in progress, but recruiting has been very consistent under DeBoer at Alabama. Per Rivals' Hayes Fawcett, the Crimson Tide is tied for the most five-star commits in the 2026 class with the Oregon Ducks, who both have four each.

That number would have gone to five for Alabama on Thursday, but five-star edge rusher Anthony "Tank" Jones picked Oregon on "The Pat McAfee Show." Jones is a native of Mobile, Alabama, and attends St. Paul's Episcopal.

While losing an in-state recruit like Jones will sting, the Crimson Tide is still making headway with multiple top prospects. Five-star quarterback Elijah Haven from the 2027 class is hoping to schedule a fall visit with Alabama soon.

Haven is the top quarterback for the class and the No. 15 national recruit.

Alabama's four five-star commits include safety Jireh Edwards, linebacker Xavier Griffin, receiver Cederian Morgan and cornerback Jorden Edmonds.

With the addition of Jones, Oregon's five-star commits are Immanuel Iheanacho, Jett Washington and Kendre Harrison.

Jones' commitment moved Oregon ahead of Alabama in the 2026 recruiting class rankings on On3 Sports, with the Ducks at No. 6 and Crimson Tide at No. 7.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: