Kalen DeBoer is riding high after his first victory in the storied Third Saturday in October rivalry, leading Alabama to a triumphant win over Tennessee in Tuscaloosa. This victory avenged the previous year's loss on Rocky Top and set the stage for DeBoer to make waves on the recruiting trail against Josh Heupel's Volunteers.
The spotlight now turns to 4-star linebacker Kenneth Simon II, a promising recruit with deep Tennessee roots-his father, Kenneth Simon, was a standout linebacker for the Volunteers. Kenneth Jr. has narrowed his choices to four schools: Alabama, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss.
As Simon's commitment decision looms, he's lined up a series of pivotal spring visits, including a crucial stop in Tuscaloosa. His itinerary also features visits to Georgia and Notre Dame, schools that surprisingly didn't make his final four, highlighting the unpredictable nature of recruiting.
Simon’s Tennessee legacy makes him a highly coveted target for DeBoer and the Alabama coaching staff. At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Simon brings a versatile skill set that could see him excel as either a linebacker or safety, fitting seamlessly into Kane Wommack's defensive plans. Alabama clearly stands out to Simon, and for good reason-his potential role in the Crimson Tide's defense is significant.
While Alabama and Tennessee are seen as the frontrunners in this recruiting battle, the other schools on Simon's tour will undoubtedly make strong pitches to sway his decision.
For Alabama, securing top talent at linebacker is a priority for the 2027 recruiting class. With only two linebackers-5-star Xavier Griffin and 3-star Zay Hall-signed in the 2026 cycle, adding Simon would be a significant boost to their defensive lineup for the future.