Alabama’s 2025 recruiting cycle was anything but ordinary. Nick Saban’s sudden retirement shook the program, paving the way for Kalen DeBoer to take over. With new coaches, new strategies, and shifts in “The Process,” Tuscaloosa saw major changes. The transfer portal and NIL era brought departures and surprises, yet Bama still held strong in the rankings—a rare feat after a coaching switch. And now, as DeBoer builds momentum with the 2026 class, the tide is turning once again. But his success isn’t just a win for Alabama—it’s becoming Ryan Day’s latest headache.
Alabama just scored a massive recruiting win, landing 5-star CB Jorden Edmonds over powerhouse programs like Vols, Georgia, and Oklahoma. However, the 6’3″, 180-pound defensive standout from Marietta felt something different in Tuscaloosa. And he told On3 Recruits, “Just a feeling I can’t get or haven’t had anywhere else.” As of now, with his commitment, Kalen DeBoer continues to stack elite talent, proving that Alabama’s dominance isn’t fading anytime soon.
However, Edmonds’ commitment isn’t just a victory for Bama—it’s another milestone for Kalen DeBoer. His latest five-star addition catapults the Crimson Tide to No. 5 in the 2026 recruiting rankings per On3, knocking Ohio State down a spot. While Ryan Day also secured a five-star in his class, WR Chris Henry Jr., DeBoer’s momentum is starting to sting in Columbus. While the battle for recruiting supremacy is heating up, for now, Alabama holds the edge.
Alabama has jumped eight spots into the Top 5 of the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings after landing 5-star CB Jorden Edmonds
View: https://t.co/UoY1A7A4Tk pic.twitter.com/ghGSwvdFo6
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) March 26, 2025
This commitment not only boosts Alabama’s recruiting momentum but also reinforces its legacy as a true ‘DBU’. Edmonds is one of the top defensive backs in the 2026 class who dominated at Sprayberry High School. You know, after a strong visit earlier this month, Steve Wiltfong predicted Edmonds would land at Bama—and he was right.
However, for Jorden, choosing Alabama was more than just a football decision—it was personal. “It came down to relationships, development, and how I grew up following the program that helped me choose Alabama. I am from Pittsburgh, but my brother was an Alabama fan, and when I moved down to Atlanta in the 7th grade, I started to follow Alabama,” said Edmonds. So, his journey from Pittsburgh to Tuscaloosa feels like destiny, and now he’s set to be part of the Tide’s next great class.
While the Tide has a rich history of producing NFL-ready defensive backs, Edmonds looks like the next in line. His commitment proves that Alabama remains a dominant force in recruiting, even in the DeBoer era. Now, as Crimson Tide builds its 2026 class, let’s take a closer look at the talent it has secured so far.
2026 class portrait of Kalen DeBoer
Alabama keeps stacking talent in the secondary. Edmonds becomes the Tide’s second blue-chip corner in the 2026 class, joining 4-star Zyan Gibson. He is from Gadsden City, and the 6’1″, 175-lb standout committed on Christmas Eve and is ranked No. 10 among CBs and No. 62 overall. However, when asked why he chose Bama, Gibson kept it simple, stating, “The relationships I have with them. The coaches, the players, and great energy every time I go up.”
Not only this, but last month, Kalen DeBoer’s Tide secured commitments from two 4-star talents—Chris Booker, a powerful interior OL from Atlanta, and Jamarion Matthews, a dynamic EDGE rusher from Gainesville. With April approaching, Alabama remains in the hunt for more top-tier recruits. And after landing the nation’s No. 3 class last cycle, DeBoer and his staff are pushing to match that success. Adding a talent like Edmonds is the perfect way to set the tone.
Here, Edmonds feels right at home in Tuscaloosa, and it’s all about the connections. “My connections are strong at Alabama. If I am not talking with coach Mo, then I have coach Morgan or coach Sanders to chop it up with. That is what makes Alabama special to me. The people and the connections are real,” said the standout CB.
So, for Edmonds, it’s more than just football—it’s about trust, family, and a program that feels like home. What do you think?
The post Kalen DeBoer’s Win Becomes Ryan Day’s Dilemma as Alabama Learns Promising News With First 5-star Commitment appeared first on EssentiallySports.