Elite Alabama Target Announces Finalists and Commitment Date

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 3:20 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide made a bowl game and finished 9-4 in Kalen DeBoer's first season.

Now, the emphasis is on building for the future through effective recruiting. On Thursday, On3's Hayes Fawcett reported that Alabama was a finalist for offensive tackle Deacon Schmitt.

Schmitt's other finalists are the Colorado Buffaloes and Oklahoma Sooners. His commitment date is set for June 28.

He had planned to take official visits with the USC Trojans, Tennessee Volunteers, and Nebraska Cornhuskers, but opted to cancel them.

The offensive tackle is listed at 6-foot-5, 320 pounds and attends Windsor High School in Windsor, Colorado.

Schmitt is a four-star offensive tackle and the No. 29 player at his position in the On3 Industry Rankings. He is the top player from Colorado in the 2026 class.

Oklahoma is the favorite in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, with a 35.5% chance. Alabama has a 9.7% chance of landing Schmitt.

The Crimson Tide's 2026 class is led by five-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds, four-star cornerback Zyan Gibson, four-star edge rusher Jamarion Matthews and four-star inside offensive lineman Samuelu Utu.

Alabama had its last official visit before Schmitt's commitment on May 30. It was his first time visiting the program.

DeBoer has proven he can still attract talent from the West Coast. He recently earned a commitment from Utu, who hails from Orange, California.

Alabama was named a finalist for another top recruit from the 2026 class. Alabama and the Georgia Bulldogs are the two finalists for four-star edge rusher Khamari Brooks.

DeBoer's second season with the Crimson Tide opens with the Florida State Seminoles on August 30.

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

More must-reads: