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2026 Five-Star LB Praises Alabama After Visit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alex O'Reilly | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 2:53 PM ET

After a disappointing 2024 season, the Alabama Crimson Tide are focused on getting back to the college football playoff. However, they are also focused on performing consistently in the coming seasons. As a result, they are putting in time to ensure their 2026 recruiting class is strong.

Over the weekend, 2026 five-star linebacker Anthony Jones visited Tuscaloosa and the Crimson Tide's facilities. After the visit, he spoke about his experience, praising the program for being like a brotherhood.

"It is like a brotherhood at Alabama… and I know they can develop talent," Jones said.

Anthony Jones is the No. 16-ranked player in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. He plays high school football at St. Paul's Episcopal High School in Mobile, Alabama. If he joined the Crimson Tide, he would likely become a hometown favorite.

The Crimson Tide consistently put together strong recruiting classes. According to 247Sports, they had the No. 3-ranked class in 2025, signing three five-star recruits and 16 four-star recruits. They are off to a much slower start in 2026.

They have the No. 40-ranked class, having only received commitments from eight players. The best player in that group is cornerback Jorden Edmonds, who is the No. 14-ranked player in 2026. In total, they have commitments from one five-star, six four-stars and one three-star recruit.

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

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