Alabama makes big jump in On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings after latest commitment

Alabama has its first five-star commitment in the 2026 cycle, as Marietta (Ga.) Sprayberry five-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds announced his pledge to the Crimson Tide on Wednesday afternoon.

The nation’s No. 17 recruit and No. 2 corner, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Edmonds is commit No. 4 for head coach Kalen DeBoer and Bama this cycle.

Despite the small size of the class, the addition of Edmonds vaulted Alabama up from No. 13 to No. 5 in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. While still early, the Tide are positioned well to ink another elite haul.

“It came down to relationships, development and how I grew up following the program that helped me choose Alabama,” Edmonds told On3’s Chad Simmons about his decision. “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.”

Alabama jumped the likes of Ohio State, Clemson, Penn State and Auburn in the recruiting rankings with Edmonds’ pledge.

Looking at Alabama’s 2026 class thus far

Edmonds is now the second blue-chip cornerback in the mix for Bama this cycle. On Christmas Eve, Gadsden City (Ala.) four-star CB Zyan Gibson committed. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder is the nation’s No. 62 recruit and No. 10 CB in the cycle.

“The relationships I have with them,” Gibson told On3’s Steve Wiltfong about his commitment. “The coaches, the players and great energy every time I go up.”

Bama then landed commitments on consecutive days last month from Gainesville (Ga.) four-star EDGE Jamarion Matthews and Atlanta Hapeville Charter four-star interior offensive lineman Chris Booker. Matthews is the No. 202 overall prospect and No. 24 EDGE, while Booker checks in at No. 322 and No. 28 at the IOL position.

Alabama remains in the thick of things for plenty of blue-chippers heading into April. After signing the nation’s No. 3 class last cycle, DeBoer and his staff are working to meet that same standard once again in 2026. Adding a player of Edmonds’ caliber is a great place to start building some momentum.

“My connections are strong at Alabama,” Edmonds said. “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.”