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Alabama Predicted to Lose 4-Star QB to Struggling SEC Team

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 6:48 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide being able to consistently recruit some of the most talented players has been one of the biggest factors in the program's ability to compete for national championships.

So far, that's continued for their 2026 recruiting class, which holds 10 commitments and only looks to grow, with one name in their sights being quarterback Matt Ponatoski out of Cincinnati.

They're certainly still in the mix to land him as well, with the quarterback now choosing between Alabama, the Kentucky Wildcats, the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Oregon Ducks.

Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide and head coach Kalen DeBoer, though, on Wednesday, On3's Steve Wiltfong logged an expert prediction for Ponatoski to choose the Wildcats, who went just 4-8 in 2024.

On3’s @SWiltfong_ has logged an expert prediction for Kentucky to land 4-star QB Matt Ponatoski

Ponatoski is the No. 9 QB in the 2026 On300.

Read: https://t.co/FMrfjVjdzT pic.twitter.com/C3Ou17uwFv
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 25, 2025

For Kentucky, this would clearly be a huge off-the-field victory, as On3 ranks Ponatoski as a four-star recruit, the No. 9 quarterback, the No. 5 player in Ohio and the No. 100 player in the nation.

In 2024, he was also named the MaxPreps Ohio High School Football Player of the Year for the Archbishop Moeller Fighting Crusaders, appearing in 16 games, throwing for 4,187 yards and 57 touchdowns

If the Wildcats do end up coming out on top in this battle, Ponatoski will be one of the biggest assets of their 2026 recruiting class that ranks No. 14 in the SEC and No. 55 in the nation with 11 commitments, per On3.

Luckily for Alabama, though, even if that ends up becoming a reality, they won't be left completely scrambling trying to land a quarterback, as they've already received a commitment from four-star Jett Thomalla.

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

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