Alabama Crimson Tide suddenly caught looking up at oil-driven NIL powerhouse in race for top overall 2027 recruit

The recruiting world has been kind to Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide, as the program is close to ranking in the top spot for the 2026 class. Of course, there's time for flips to happen and development to change boards, but the Tide are on a hot streak when it comes to pitching their blueblood status.

The 2027 class is also getting its time in the spotlight, and the top overall recruit has had Alabama fighting for his top spot until a behemoth emerged. Five-star edge rusher LaDamion Guyton has gone from an Alabama toss-up to the backseat in this race.

That unexpected force is Texas Tech, which has turned into a monstrous presence on the recruiting trail with arguably the deepest pockets in college sports. Just recently, On3 reported that Lubbock is going hard for the No. 1 prospect.

"Guyton, a top target for Georgia and South Carolina in the 2027 cycle out of Savannah (Ga.) Benedictine, soaked up the sights and sounds of Lubbock in June. The Red Raiders have been trending in the right direction with the five-star target ever since."

The new revenue sharing model is having effects on how teams offer structured deals, and Alabama is falling in line with what Texas and Ohio State has had to adapt. They can't simply outspend every program because they have multiple successful programs within their athletic department, and a deep roster to retain.

Not even two months ago, On3 reported that Alabama was facing off against Georgia for the elite prospect.

"Georgia was the first to offer the coveted in-state prospect in June 2023, and they remain the program setting the pace in this recruitment. Guyton has visited Athens numerous times, including this past weekend. Alabama, Auburn, Oregon, USC, South Carolina, Tennessee, LSU and Miami are some of the other programs that have extended a scholarship and working to gain traction. Guyton tells Simmons visits will pick back up during the season."

It's possible an in-person trip to Alabama can swing things this fall. Their gameday experience in Tuscaloosa is excellent, and DeBoer's staff has repeatedly sold a family-like environment successfully. It's a huge reason why Alabama has excelled despite facing some of the same issues Oregon does, but the Tide haven't slid back.

Will Guyton prioritize the start-up situation in Lubbock for a massive payday, or can Alabama claw its way back in? We'll be monitoring throughout this season.