Alabama already has a head start on the 2027 quarterback class with in-state 4-star Trent Seaborn locked in. But that hasn’t slowed down Kalen DeBoer and his staff in their pursuit of their top target: 5-star QB Elijah Haven out of Baton Rouge.
Haven, widely regarded as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2027 class by both 247Sports and ESPN, has made multiple visits to Tuscaloosa over the past season. And now, Alabama is one of four finalists in the race for the elite signal-caller, along with Auburn, Florida, and Georgia.
The Crimson Tide have been viewed as the frontrunner for some time, and next weekend could be pivotal. Haven is set to return to campus for Alabama’s Junior Day on Saturday, January 31 - a key opportunity for DeBoer and his staff to make a lasting impression ahead of a decision that’s expected in February.
This visit is more than just another stop on the recruiting trail. It’s a chance for Alabama to reinforce its pitch to a quarterback who could be the centerpiece of their 2027 class. And while the Tide already have Seaborn in the fold, Haven represents a different level of prospect - a potential game-changer under center.
Recruiting rankings paint a mostly unified picture of Haven’s talent. 247 and ESPN both list him as the top quarterback in the class and a Top 10 overall recruit. On3 and Rivals, however, offer a more surprising take, ranking him as the No. 6 quarterback and placing him outside the Top 90 overall. That discrepancy keeps Haven from being a true consensus No. 1, but make no mistake - the tools are all there.
At 6-foot-3 with a smooth delivery, pocket presence beyond his years, and the ability to make every throw on the field, Haven’s upside is undeniable. The question now is where he’ll choose to develop that talent.
Alabama’s quarterback room could be a factor in that decision. When Haven arrives on campus in 2027, the Crimson Tide are projected to still have Keelon Russell entering his redshirt sophomore season. Behind him will likely be Jett Thomalla, a former Top 10 QB in the 2026 class who’s expected to redshirt as a freshman.
That depth could be both a blessing and a challenge. While it offers Haven a chance to learn behind talented players, it also means he may have to wait his turn - something that Auburn, Florida, and Georgia might be able to avoid. All three programs are in more immediate need of a high-end quarterback and don’t have clear-cut answers waiting in the wings.
So, how much does early playing time matter to Haven? That could end up being the swing factor in a recruitment that’s been trending Alabama’s way.
But even if Haven does commit to the Tide next month, don’t expect the race to be over. With nearly a full year until the early signing period in December, the battle for his signature is likely to continue. Programs will keep pushing, and with a player of Haven’s caliber, no school is going to back off quietly.
Bottom line: Alabama may be in the lead, but this recruitment is far from finished. The Crimson Tide have a shot to land one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the country - now it’s about sealing the deal.