With the 2026 recruiting cycle officially in the books, Alabama football has once again landed among the nation’s elite, finishing with the No. 2 overall class in the 247Sports Composite rankings. It marks back-to-back top-five hauls for head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff - a clear signal that the Crimson Tide are not just reloading, but actively shaping the next wave of college football stars.
What stands out about this year’s class isn’t just the national ranking - it’s the local flavor. Alabama locked down three of the top four prospects in-state, a move that not only strengthens relationships with local high schools but also keeps top-tier talent close to home.
Two of those in-state stars are expected to push for early playing time. The third, cornerback Zyan Gibson, enters a deep and competitive secondary, but his long-term ceiling has coaches buzzing.
He may not be an instant starter, but his upside is as high as anyone in this class.
The headliners, though, are running back EJ Crowell and wide receiver Cederian Morgan - two names Alabama fans are going to get very familiar with, very quickly.
Crowell, the No. 1 running back in the country, arrives in Tuscaloosa at a time when the Tide are looking for a new difference-maker in the backfield. The talent is there in the RB room - Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, and AK Dear all bring something to the table - but none have the raw potential or explosive upside that Crowell offers. He’s a home-run threat every time he touches the ball, and his skill set fits perfectly in Ryan Grubb’s offense.
Morgan, meanwhile, wasted no time making an impression. The early enrollee jumped straight into Rose Bowl prep and earned praise from teammates and coaches alike.
He brings size, physicality, and a smoothness to his game that’s rare for a freshman. Grubb didn’t mince words when asked about Crowell and Morgan’s readiness.
“There’s a lot of physical characteristics that those two have - they’re outstanding players,” Grubb said. “But the maturity and the mindset that those two guys have already at this point in their career has been really impressive.
I’m excited to see what they can do this year. They’re not going to have to wait long to get on the field.”
That’s not just coach speak. Alabama has shown a willingness to play young guys early under DeBoer, and both Crowell and Morgan are tracking to follow that same path.
Crowell, in particular, has drawn lofty comparisons. ESPN likened his potential impact to what Ohio State’s Bo Jackson did last season - stepping in as a true freshman, rushing for over 1,000 yards, and becoming the Buckeyes’ RB1 on a playoff-bound team. That’s a high bar, but it’s also a glimpse of what Alabama believes Crowell can become - not just a contributor, but a game-changer.
At wide receiver, the competition is fierce. Ryan Williams and Lotzeir Brooks are expected to be the top two targets, but the WR3 spot is wide open.
NC State transfer Noah Rogers and redshirt sophomore Rico Scott are in the mix, while sophomore Derek Meadows brings experience and athleticism to the table. But don’t count Morgan out - his frame and physical style fit exactly what DeBoer and Grubb have prioritized in their wideouts.
If he keeps progressing, he’s going to carve out a role.
Alabama’s recent history under DeBoer has shown that if you can play, you’ll play - regardless of class. The Crimson Tide have leaned on freshmen in each of the past two seasons, and it’s paid off. Crowell and Morgan look poised to be the next breakout names in a program that continues to blend elite recruiting with early development.
The 2026 class is loaded with talent, but these two are already separating themselves from the pack. And for a team with championship aspirations, that’s exactly what you want to see.