As Alabama gears up for its College Football Playoff showdown in the Rose Bowl, the Crimson Tide are getting a head start on the future.
Nine members of Alabama’s highly touted 2026 signing class have arrived in Tuscaloosa early and are already suiting up for bowl practices. While they won’t be eligible to play in the semifinal matchup against No. 1 Indiana on New Year’s Day, their presence is more than symbolic - it’s a strategic move that gives these young players a valuable jumpstart on their college careers.
Let’s be clear: these aren’t just bodies to fill out drills. This is a group loaded with talent, and Alabama’s coaching staff is giving them a taste of what life is like inside one of the most demanding and successful programs in the country. From learning the playbook to getting a feel for the practice tempo, this early exposure could be the difference between redshirting and seeing the field in 2026.
Here’s the full list of early enrollees participating in Rose Bowl practices:
- Jorden Edmonds, 5-star cornerback (Marietta, GA)
- Cederian Morgan, 4-star wide receiver (Alexander City, AL)
- Zyan Gibson, 4-star cornerback (Gadsden, AL)
- Jett Thomalla, 4-star quarterback (Omaha, NE)
- Mack Sutter, 4-star tight end (Dunlap, IL)
- Chris Booker, 4-star offensive lineman (Atlanta, GA)
- Kamhariyan Johnson, 4-star defensive lineman (Muscle Shoals, AL)
- Corey Howard, 3-star defensive lineman (Valdosta, GA)
- Zay Hall, 3-star linebacker (Tuscaloosa, AL)
This group is a mix of blue-chip talent and homegrown grit, and their early arrival speaks to both positional need and logistical readiness. Not every signee is in a position to make the move to campus before January, but for those who are, the benefits are immense.
For Alabama, this is nothing new. Early enrollment has become a staple of roster development in Tuscaloosa - and across the college football landscape. Especially with the expanded playoff format and longer seasons, getting freshmen involved early is a way to build depth, accelerate development, and identify future contributors before spring ball even begins.
These nine players will not only practice with the team but also travel to Pasadena, soaking in the full bowl game experience. That’s a huge deal. Being around the team in a high-stakes environment - even if you're not suiting up - gives young players a front-row seat to what it takes to compete at the highest level.
The rest of Alabama’s early enrollees are expected to report to campus on January 5th. But for this early group, the work has already begun. They’re getting a crash course in Crimson Tide football, and if history is any indication, a few of them could be making noise sooner than later.
This is how dynasties stay dynasties - by always thinking two steps ahead.