John Meredith’s Recruitment Heating Up as Alabama Makes Major Move
Get ready to hear a lot about John Meredith over the next year. The five-star cornerback out of North Crowley High School in Crowley, Texas, is shaping up to be one of the most sought-after players in the 2027 recruiting cycle. With more than 40 offers already on the table, Meredith isn’t just a top-tier talent - he’s a potential cornerstone for whichever program lands him.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Meredith isn’t just the No. 1 cornerback in the country - he’s also ranked as the top overall prospect in Texas, according to 247Sports. And right now, his recruitment is turning into a heavyweight bout between some of college football’s biggest brands.
Programs like Texas A&M, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas, LSU, and Alabama are all firmly in the mix. But after a recent visit to Tuscaloosa, it’s Alabama that may have just shifted the momentum.
Alabama's Strong Weekend Pitch
Meredith was on campus at Alabama over the weekend, and by all accounts, the Crimson Tide made a serious impression. A source close to the recruitment noted that Meredith came away raving about the visit - especially his conversations with new secondary coach Maurice Linguist and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack.
The buzz? Alabama didn’t just check boxes - they may have redefined the race.
One major selling point: the Tide’s track record of developing elite cornerbacks. Alabama has long been a factory for NFL-ready defensive backs, and Meredith was shown a clear path to early playing time in a defense that expects to contend for a national title. For a player of his caliber, that combination of development and opportunity is hard to ignore.
Before the visit, Alabama was seen as a top-four contender. Now?
They may have vaulted into Meredith’s top two - or even taken the lead outright. That’s a big shift, especially considering Texas A&M has held the edge in this recruitment for quite some time.
Who Else Is in the Mix?
While Alabama and Texas A&M appear to be battling for pole position, other major programs are still firmly in the picture. Ohio State, Texas, and SMU are all pushing, and Meredith’s recruitment is far from over.
His decision timeline has been fluid. At one point, Meredith talked about committing early, but those close to him are encouraging a more measured approach - one that allows him to take in all of his visits and make a fully informed choice. Considering the stakes, that’s a smart move.
From Euless to North Crowley: A Star on the Rise
Meredith first broke onto the national radar as a sophomore at Euless Trinity, where his blend of size, speed, and instincts made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. He transferred to North Crowley this offseason, but the expectations haven’t changed - he’s still one of the most explosive players in the country.
Scouting the No. 6 Overall Prospect
Here’s what sets Meredith apart on the field:
- He’s a height/weight/speed prototype at corner - long, lean, and fast.
- Comfortable in both press man and off-man coverage.
- His trail technique is advanced for his age, and he has the elite recovery speed to erase separation.
- Twitchy lower half gives him quick change-of-direction ability.
- He’s not just a finesse player - he’ll fight through blocks and isn’t afraid to support the run.
- That track speed?
It shows up on tape.
Put simply: Meredith checks every box you want in a modern cornerback. He’s already playing at a level that projects to the next level, and he’s only a junior.
The Road Ahead
With his recruitment wide open and major programs making their pitches, Meredith’s decision will be one of the most closely watched storylines in the 2027 class. Alabama just made a statement, but this race is far from over. Wherever he lands, Meredith has the tools to be a game-changer - the kind of player who doesn’t just join a program, but elevates it.
Stay tuned. This one’s just getting started.