Alabama Crimson Tide and Kalen DeBoer steal elite four star recruit from across the country just weeks after initial commitment

Things ramped up quickly for Thomalla's recruitment. He visited Alabama unofficially on May 30, and he was already "excited" about the trip beforehand. He made one last visit to Iowa State the following weekend, but his relationship with their staff wasn't enough to stick with Matt Campbell's Cyclones.

During his junior season, Thomalla completed 69.6% of his passes for 3,664 yards, throwing 47 touchdowns and only three interceptions, leading Millard South to a 12-1 record and its first state championship in 15 years.

He committed to Iowa State on April 18, choosing the Cyclones over offers from Missouri, Duke, Arizona, and Virginia. However, Alabama's scholarship offer on May 15 prompted Thomalla to schedule a visit to Tuscaloosa.

Alabama is looking for a top backup and eventual replacement for 2025 high four-star quarterback Keelon Russell in future years.

247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins had this to say about Thomalla in his scouting report.

Decorated prep signal caller with some peaks and valleys on the game tape, but one that has a chance to emerge as a winner on Saturdays. Looks the part with a budding frame that’s pushing 6-foot-4. Set multiple records as a junior while leading his team to its first state title in 15 years, but isn’t exactly the most consistent passer at this stage as he can struggle with ball placement and fail to find a rhythm when the competition gets ramped up. Comfortable operating out of the gun in single-back sets and seems to find the most success working the quick perimeter game. More than capable of extending plays and creating opportunities when the pocket breaks down as he climbs away from pressure and keeps his eyes down field. However, doesn't offer a ton of value as a runner despite being an above-the-rim finisher on the hardwood. Uses touch and trajectory to push the ball into the deeper third, but must get more comfortable firing fastballs over the middle and throwing his targets open. Cut down on the interceptions as an 11th grader and further film study should only improve his ability to anticipate gaps in coverages. Projects as a potential multi-year starter at the Power Four level. Likely to need a developmental year or two, but hard not to get excited about the size, velocity and resume.