Alabama 'coming on strong' for elite two-sport recruit despite being a late addition to Kalen DeBoer's priority list

The Ohio Gatorade Player of the year posted crazy numbers in 2024, reaching 4,000 passing yards and 56 scores to only three interceptions. He'll visit Alabama this coming weekend, and he had some very positive things to say about the Crimson Tide.

“It’s one of the best programs ever when it comes to football,” Ponatoski said. “It’s an offer you dream about so it was really cool when I got the call unexpectedly!”

The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder is one of the few high-end quarterbacks still on the market. Most other options are heavily leaning one way or another, or have already committed. The Tide also have 2025 four-star Keelon Russell, so Ponatoski isn't as desperately needed for the near future.

“I think I’m pretty raw,” Ponatoski told On3’s Steve Wiltfong last month. “I don’t really work with anybody, so I think there’s a lot of improvement that can be done. And, you know, just trying to balance. You know, throwing the baseball and throwing the football is kind of why I feel like the development is still raw, just because I can’t throw as much as I want to. But I think there’s a lot of room for growth.”

Ranked as the nation's 16th-best MLB prospect, Ponatoski is the state's top overall option for the 2026 draft. He's a shortstop and pitcher.

"What makes him great on the football field translates in ways on the baseball field you just don't see in a lot of high school players," said Kyle Weldon, Prep Baseball's Ohio Scouting Director.

"He's got a quick processor, his in-game decision-making is elite. Matt has tools that make him one of the best in the country, most notably the arm strength and the hit tool. And he wins. I think profile does a lot for his stock and has generated a lot of interest in him."