Five-Star ATH Honor Fa’alave-Johnson Narrows List to Six, Leaves Alabama Out
Honor Fa’alave-Johnson is a name that’s been circled on recruiting boards across the country-and for good reason. The 5-star athlete out of San Diego has been a two-way force on the high school level, showcasing elite speed and versatility that make him one of the most coveted prospects in the 2027 class. Whether he’s locking down receivers or taking the top off a defense, Fa’alave-Johnson brings game-breaking ability to every snap.
But on Wednesday, the recruiting landscape shifted just a bit.
Fa’alave-Johnson announced his final six schools, and there was a notable absence: Alabama. Despite previously scheduling a visit to Tuscaloosa for the weekend of April 11, the Crimson Tide didn’t make the cut. That’s a significant development for a program that rarely misses on top-tier talent-especially in the secondary.
According to recruiting insider Hayes Fawcett, Fa’alave-Johnson is now focused on USC, LSU, Miami, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame. If there’s a common thread among those programs, it’s speed.
Each of those schools has built a reputation for explosive athletes, especially in the defensive backfield. Fa’alave-Johnson fits right into that mold.
At 6’1”, 190 pounds, he’s ranked as the No. 1 safety in the 2027 class by Rivals-and he plays like it. His tape is filled with range, instincts, and closing speed that jumps off the screen. Whether he ends up patrolling the back end of a defense or contributing on offense, he’s the kind of athlete who changes the dynamic of a roster the moment he steps on campus.
As for Alabama, this is a rare miss-but hardly a setback.
Kalen DeBoer and his staff are still in prime position to land one of the top recruiting classes in the country for 2027. The Tide have already built strong early momentum with four commitments: 4-star edge rusher Jabarrius Garror, 4-star quarterback Trent Seaborn, 3-star tight end Colt Lumpris, and 3-star cornerback Nash Johnson. That’s a solid foundation, especially with Seaborn-a high-upside QB prospect-leading the way.
And if history tells us anything, it’s that Alabama does its best work in the summer. The last two recruiting cycles have seen the Tide catch fire during the warmer months, locking in the bulk of their blue-chip talent as official visits ramp up. This year is shaping up to follow a similar script.
So while Fa’alave-Johnson won’t be part of the next wave in Tuscaloosa, Alabama isn’t short on options. The Junior Day event they just hosted drew national attention, and the buzz coming out of it suggests more big names could be on the way.
Fa’alave-Johnson’s recruitment will continue to be one of the most-watched storylines in the 2027 cycle. His final six schools all offer a path to early playing time, big-time development, and a national spotlight. Wherever he lands, he’s going to make an impact.
But for now, Alabama will look elsewhere-and with the way DeBoer and company have been recruiting, they’re more than ready for the next move.