David Leong-Imagn Images

Alabama Could Lose Out on 'Big-Time Player,' But There's a Catch

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Nov 11, 2025 6:24 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide aren't considered a lock to land a "big-time player" who visited their Saturday game versus LSU.

That's because this same wide receiver/cornerback is keeping tabs with what happens with one power's coaching situation. Leading to the theory of Alabama losing out on this talent but coming with a catch.

Talent Monitoring Coaching Situation at Another School Amid Alabama Interest

Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) passes against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images© Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Tom Loy of 247Sports revealed Brentwood Academy of Nashville cornerback Romel Koon took in 'Bama recently.

"He's a big-time player who was in Tuscaloosa on Saturday," Loy said.

The current three-star with 34 total offers loved the player-coach relationship dynamic in Tuscaloosa.

"What really stood out to me was how genuine they were about wanting their players to succeed beyond football," Koon said to Loy. "They made it clear that being part of their team means being part of something bigger, and that really resonated with me."

However, Loy added this curveball: Koon is interested in one place undergoing a coaching change and watching who they bring in.

"As it stands now, Virginia Tech is a program he has high interest in, but only if he pairs that school with James Franklin, who was recently fired by Penn State," Loy wrote.

Sounds like Koon built a rapport with Franklin when he was still leading the Nittany Lions. Franklin is currently considered one of the front runners for the open position at Blacksburg. But Va. Tech isn't the only school linked to Koon.

"Indiana has done a nice job, as has in-state Vanderbilt," Loy adds.

Did Alabama Offer the Talented CB?

Alabama won over Koon but didn't officially offer the 2027 talent yet. Still, 'Bama left an impression on him.

"It's clear this visit moved the needle for him," Loy said.

Koon spoke with Kevin Green and other members of Alabama's defensive staff. Again, the player-coach dynamic resonated with him.

"What I like most is how the program focuses on developing the whole person, not just the athlete," Koon mentioned. "The coaches emphasize growth on and off the field, accountability, and representing the school with class. You can feel that sense of family and brotherhood throughout the program, and that's something I really value."

Ironically, Virginia Tech isn't the only power conference representative without a head coach that offered Koon. Arkansas and Florida offered -- but both are two more searching for a 2026 leader.

Florida State out of the Atlantic Coast Conference is pursuing Koon with defensive coordinator Tony White leading the charge there. But FSU is another that isn't guaranteed to keep head coach Mike Norvell.

IU represents the lone top five nationally ranked team that offered Koon.

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

More must-reads: