Top-100 2026 prospect trending to Alabama

Gadsden City (Ala.) four-star cornerback Zyan Gibson is a little less than a year from signing to play college football, but he is narrowing in on a commitment decision.

Over the weekend, he named his top four schools, telling On3’s Steve Wiltfong that Alabama, Auburn, Miami and Tennessee are the main contenders to land him.

“I visited them and keeping the relationships with them and building relationships,” Gibson said of why these programs have separated from the pack.

And although a commitment date hasn’t been locked in just yet, one school is currently trending to land him in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM). On Monday, Wiltfong placed an expert pick in favor of the Crimson Tide to keep Gibson at home in their 2026 class. Alabama insiders Joseph Hastings and Andrew Bone followed suit with picks as well.

“The relationships I have with them,” he told Wiltfong of why the Crimson Tide are a top school. “The coaches, the players and great energy every time I go up. Everything they told me was true.”

Alabama making a strong impression on Gibson’s family, too

Gibson’s father, who played Ole Miss, also likes what he has seen from the staff in Tuscaloosa.

“I really enjoy the process with Alabama,” the elder Gibson said earlier this month. “Meeting the new staff and stuff like that they’re really transparent with us and built a great relationship. Especially myself and the GM Courtney Morgan. He’s been really hands on with this process with Zyan and myself and Zyan’s mom. We’re just really enjoying being around them and they welcome us with open arms every time we’re on a visit.”

The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder is the No. 68 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also ranks as the nation’s No. 8 cornerback and the No. 4 recruit in Alabama.