Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Alabama continues to fight off two prominent programs for blue-chip pass rusher who can put Tide's 2026 recruiting class over the top

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Clint Lamb | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 5:11 PM ET

Anthony "Tank" Jones has long been one of the top priorities for Alabama out on the recruiting trail. According to the Rivals Industry Rankings, the instate five-star is currently rated as the No. 22 player overall and the No. 4 EDGE while also being the top player from the state of Alabama.

After struggling with instate recruiting during the 2025 cycle, Alabama's coaching staff has put on a clinic when it comes to closing on the top players from the state. They currently have commitments from the No. 2 (Cederian Morgan), No. 3 (Ezavier Crowell) and No. 4 (Zyan Gibson) players, but adding Jones, especially at such a critical position, would really be the cherry on top for what's turning out to be one of the most impressive classes in the country.

Alabama is still having to compete with Oregon and Texas A&M for Jones' services though, and they're not going away without a fight. On Thursday, Steve Wiltfong with On3/Rivals shared an update on the St. Paul's Episcopal (Mobile, Ala.) standout. According to Wiltfong, all three schools are confident that they'll be able to land the elite defender, and while many believe Alabama remains the program to beat, Oregon is beginning to push A&M as the top challenger.

"I think the sentiment is Oregon may be the biggest challenger," Wiltfong mentioned in the article. "I personally have talked more about Alabama and Texas A&M during this process, but as a decision draws near I have a keen eye on Oregon as well."

Rivals' @SWiltfong_ has the latest on 5-star EDGE Anthony Jones as a decision is "coming soon"⌛️

️Intel: https://t.co/h0lR5IpUPO pic.twitter.com/wIusnltkkN
— Rivals (@Rivals) July 24, 2025

This isn't surprising, as A to Z Sports was told by a source that Oregon is the biggest challenger. Jones apparently likes Alabama and Oregon's defensive systems better than Texas A&M, and while he has connected with all three coaching staffs, Alabama and Oregon have also separated on that front.

Now, this doesn't mean the Aggies are out of it. They've done a nice job making their pitch to Jones, whether it be building a relationship or putting together a strong NIL package. Oregon has a lot to offer too, but Wiltfong says those close to the situation in Tuscaloosa remain confident that the Crimson Tide can earn his commitment in the near future.

"Talking to sources that have spent time with him around Alabama there is confidence they keep the blue-chipper home," Wiltfong said. "He remains in regular communication and that has only intensified at the end."

No decision date has been officially announced yet, but it wouldn't be a surprise if this is decided prior to the start of the high school football regular season. So we'll find out soon enough.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: