Alabama Is Back In The Hunt For A Former Commit But One Doubt Remains

Deck: Jatori Williams is once again weighing his options amidst a whirlwind recruiting journey, with Auburn emerging as a strong contender for the talented offensive lineman's commitment.

Jatori Williams’ recruitment has taken another turn, and this time Auburn is the program that appears to have the inside track.

The 4-star offensive lineman from Central Phenix City, who had been committed to Miami since May, decommitted from the Hurricanes on Tuesday and immediately landed back on the market. It was the latest twist for a prospect who has already spent the past year bouncing through the recruiting cycle.

Williams was originally one of Alabama’s early pledges in the 2027 class, committing to the Crimson Tide last September. He later backed off that decision in December before choosing Miami in May. Now he’s open again.

After the latest decommitment, Hayes Fawcett reported that four schools are drawing his attention: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Florida State. Williams is expected to visit each of them before settling on a final choice, starting with Georgia this weekend.

NEW: Recent Miami decommit Jatori Williams tells me for @Rivals that these 4 schools are standing out in his recruitment

He plans to visit all four before making his final decision, starting with Georgia this weekend https://t.co/rLBTFC7dU2 https://t.co/1hLCrloFvW pic.twitter.com/JjlWvOLKTA

  • Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) October 13, 2026

Even with Alabama included in that group, the momentum seems to be pointing elsewhere. Before Fawcett’s report surfaced, On3/Rivals insiders Steve Wiltfong and Chad Simmons had already submitted expert predictions in the Rivals RPM for Williams to wind up at Auburn.

That lines up with how this has been developing. Williams visited Auburn for a game on the Plains last month, and the Tigers had looked like the team to beat once he reopened things.

Still, this recruitment comes with plenty of volatility. Williams has already committed and decommitted from two schools in the last year, so nothing feels locked down for good.

If visits do happen, the picture could shift again. But Alabama does not appear to be pushing hard here. There has reportedly been little to no contact between the Crimson Tide staff and the Phenix City native since he backed off his Alabama pledge last December.

The Tide also aren’t working from a position of urgency in this cycle. Alabama has only one offensive line commitment in the 2027 class so far, but the staff signed 11 offensive linemen between the 2026 high school class and the Transfer Portal last year, and all of them have at least one additional season of eligibility if they want it.

With the early signing period now just two months away, Kalen DeBoer and his staff are lining up the rest of the 2027 class and pressing several prospects over the next few weeks. Williams, based on the current feel of this recruitment, does not appear to be one of the names to watch closely.

In Other News...

Georgia's KJ Bolden Just Added Fuel To Alabama's PI Debate

Late in the Georgia-Alabama game, one of the nights most debated moments came on a pass into the end zone to Rico Scott, when SEC officials let the play go without a defensive pass interference flag on KJ Bolden. The no-call drew attention immediately because it came in a situation where Alabama had every reason to expect a whistle, and coach Kalen DeBoer made clear afterward that he disagreed with the decision, even if the league offered no added explanation.

Boldens own take only added another layer to the discussion. He said he would have wanted the call if the roles were reversed, but he also maintained it was not pass interference, a stance that will do little to settle Alabamas frustration. For the Crimson Tide, it leaves a familiar kind of postgame debate hanging over a key moment, with the officiating conversation likely to linger well beyond the final horn. [Read more 🡒]

EJ Crowell Is Pushing Alabama Toward A Bigger Backfield Decision

EJ Crowells role has been moving in the right direction for Alabama, and the reasons go beyond the box score. The running back has made clear progress in his understanding of game plans and in pass protection, two areas that can decide whether a young back stays on the field when the games tighten up. For a Crimson Tide offense still sorting out how its backfield should be divvied up, that kind of growth matters as much as any explosive run.

Crowell has seen only moderate usage in recent games, even as the staff has talked about getting him more involved. Through six games, he has 31 carries for 238 yards and four touchdowns, with his workload recently settling into a limited range while other backs continue to rotate through evolving roles. The bigger question now is whether his improved trust level can translate into a more consistent share of touches as Alabama keeps shaping its backfield plan. [Read more 🡒]

Derrick Henry Came Up Huge In Ravens' Wild Prime-Time Win

Derrick Henry kept Baltimore afloat in a wild prime-time game Sunday night, giving the Ravens the kind of steady, punishing production they needed while playing without injured quarterback Lamar Jackson. Baltimore outlasted Atlanta 30-23 in overtime in Week 5, and Henry was right in the middle of it with a physical ground game and a touchdown catch that helped the Ravens stay in striking distance when the night started to tilt in a few different directions.

The game tightened even more late, when Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. went down with a rib injury and the chaos only deepened in overtime. Baltimore still found a way to finish, and the final swing came on a game-ending interception that closed out one of those bruising, odd October games that can reshape a season's feel in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]