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Alabama Dealt Disappointing Recruiting News on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alec Musa | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 3:57 PM ET

Earlier this week, Alabama Crimson Tide football fans were on cloud nine after 2026 four-star quarterback Jett Thomalla decommitted from the Iowa State Cyclones and swore his allegiance to head coach Kalen DeBoer in Tuscaloosa.

However, many fans have likely come back down to Earth after the 2026 class took a massive hit on Thursday.

Shortly after he visited the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2026, four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson verbally committed to the Big Ten power. Johnson had only taken three visits, taking trips to Alabama and the Penn State Nittany Lions in May.

Nick Osen and Bill Kurelic predicted Johnson would land with Ohio State but had the Crimson Tide lurking in the shadows. The Cleveland native will visit the USC Trojans on Friday despite his recent commitment.

Johnson had a monster junior season with Glenville High School in 2024, totaling 121 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and three forced fumbles.

The four-star's decision to pass on Alabama means head coach Kalen DeBoer has just two verbal commits from a pass rusher in the 2026 class. Jamarion Matthews and Kamhariyan Johnson represent the 2026 edge players, while Alabama does not commit a second-level defender. Their lone secondary commit is five-star corner Jorden Edmonds.

The Tide has just seven hard commits for 2026, ranking 45th in 247Sports' rankings. Nevertheless, Alabama and DeBoer will welcome the fourth-ranked recruiting class this fall, headlined by superstar prospect and quarterback Keelon Russell. He finished as the second-ranked quarterback recruit in 2025, trailing just Bryce Underwood of the Michigan Wolverines.

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

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