Alabama Crimson Tide 'could have the edge' for fast-rising 2026 four-star edge rusher

The Alabama Crimson Tide could be the team to beat for a fast-rising 2026 defensive lineman. 

Rivals.com national recruiting director Adam Gorney noted on Thursday that Alabama "could have the edge" for 2026 four-star defensive lineman Kamhariyan Johnson. 

Johnson, 6-foot-5/250 lbs from Muscle Shoals, AL, is rated by Rivals.com as the No. 16 player in the state of Alabama and the No. 19 edge rusher in the nation. 

From Rivals.com: Auburn, LSU, Tennessee and especially Oklahoma have made big impressions recently but Alabama could have the edge here after the four-star edge from Muscle Shoals, Ala., was in Tuscaloosa. The message from the coaching staff was how much they liked Johnson as a defensive end and how well he moves at his size.

It won’t be his only trip back to Alabama as an official visit is already planned for June 6-8.

Johnson is a recruit that didn't start receiving attention from major programs until last October. 

The Tennessee Vols gave Johnson his first SEC offer in October. 

Since receiving an offer from Tennessee, Johnson has also received offers from Ole Miss, Washington, Missouri, Alabama, Oklahoma, Mississippi State, Auburn, Florida, Arkansas, and Kentucky, among others. 

One thing working in Alabama's favor in this recruiting battle is that Johnson grew up rooting for the Crimson Tide, though he told 247Sports that his fandom won't be a factor in his decision. 

"I was a Bama fan," said Johnson to 247Sports. "I ain't going to lie. But that don't mean that's where you're going to go...I just want to be in the best situation for me, where I fit into the scheme and defense, so I don't feel like that'll be really a factor."

Johnson plans to commit before the start of his high school football season later this fall.