Why Alabama Football Would Have to Share Its 2026 Ohio Quarterback Commit Despite a Verbal Pledge to the Crimson Tide
When a highly coveted quarterback from the state of Ohio commits to a powerhouse program like Alabama, it makes national headlines. And understandably so—Alabama football has long been the gold standard of college football dominance, with national championships, Heisman winners, and a culture of excellence that few programs can match. So when a top-tier 2026 quarterback prospect from a state with deep football roots like Ohio pledges his commitment to the Crimson Tide, it naturally sends waves through recruiting circles. But despite that commitment, Alabama fans and coaches alike must grapple with a reality that often gets overlooked in today’s college football landscape: even with a commitment, the program may not have the quarterback entirely to itself until he signs—and maybe not even after that.
Verbal commitments are non-binding. This is one of the most crucial facts that sometimes gets lost in the excitement of recruiting season. A 17-year-old high school junior or senior can announce his decision, pose in a uniform, post it on social media, and even take visits and begin informal communication with the team—but none of that locks him in. Until a player signs a National Letter of Intent (NLI), they are still technically fair game. And in the case of a 2026 quarterback from Ohio, we’re looking at a timeline that stretches over a year and a half from commitment to potential signing day. That’s a long time in the world of college football, and it opens the door for a wide range of complicating factors.
First and foremost, Ohio is not just any state when it comes to football. It is one of the most talent-rich states in the country, particularly for quarterbacks, and it has a deep-rooted football culture that runs through families, communities, and high school programs. A talented quarterback from Ohio will inevitably draw interest from nearby powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Notre Dame. Proximity, family connections, and familiarity often play major roles in a recruit’s ultimate decision—sometimes even overriding an initial pledge made to a national powerhouse like Alabama.
Ohio State, in particular, has a near-mythical pull for in-state players. The Buckeyes have an extraordinary track record of developing quarterbacks in recent years—from Justin Fields to C.J. Stroud—and they have a fan base that treats recruiting battles like playoff games. If Ohio State continues to push for the 2026 quarterback—even after he commits to Alabama—it wouldn’t be unusual. In fact, it would be expected. They could argue for the chance to stay close to home, to play in front of family, to become a hometown hero. Even a verbal commitment might not silence that kind of pitch, especially if the player grew up watching Buckeye football or has a support system leaning toward Columbus.
Then there’s the matter of NIL—Name, Image, and Likeness—deals, which have dramatically changed the recruiting landscape in just a few short years. Top-tier quarterbacks are among the most valuable commodities in college football, and schools with strong donor networks and NIL collectives can offer substantial incentives. Even though there are supposed to be restrictions on pay-for-play, it’s an open secret that many programs still use NIL as a tool to entice or retain recruits. If another school—whether it’s Ohio State, Michigan, or even a rising SEC or ACC program—makes a compelling NIL pitch after the Alabama commitment, it could turn the tide quickly. And while Alabama certainly has the resources to compete in that arena, the local appeal and targeted NIL opportunities from a regional program could still make things complicated.
Another factor to consider is the changing landscape of coaching staffs and program stability. While Alabama has long been led by a legend in Nick Saban, he retired after the 2023 season. With Kalen DeBoer now at the helm, the program is entering a new era. Though DeBoer has quickly shown he can maintain the high standards of Alabama football, he’s still new enough that some recruits and their families may feel uncertain. Any hiccup in performance, changes in offensive philosophy, or turnover in staff could cause recruits to reconsider. Stability and familiarity are crucial to families making these life-changing decisions, and if Ohio-based programs can offer a tighter-knit or more consistent environment, the pressure to reevaluate a verbal commitment grows.
There’s also the natural evolution of a recruit’s own mindset. A verbal commitment made at age 16 or 17 can begin to feel different over time. As players mature, they often reassess what’s important to them—whether it’s being close to family, academic opportunities, style of play, or even climate. The initial excitement of committing to a major SEC school like Alabama might wane in the face of homesickness, second thoughts, or a stronger pull from local fan bases. It’s one thing to pose with a jersey on a visit; it’s another to truly envision four years of your life across the country from everyone you know.
And let’s not forget that Alabama’s quarterback room is always stacked. Every year, the Crimson Tide brings in elite talent, and there is rarely an open path to immediate playing time. Competition is fierce, and a young quarterback may find himself redshirting or sitting behind multiple future NFL prospects. Meanwhile, a school closer to home might offer a clearer, quicker path to the field. As we’ve seen time and again, even highly rated quarterbacks can become transfer candidates if they don’t see the field early. For a 2026 recruit evaluating his future, these depth chart concerns are very real.
Moreover, fan bases and media coverage add to the pressure. Once a recruit commits, particularly to a program like Alabama, the spotlight grows. Every high school game becomes a point of national scrutiny. Every misstep or highlight can be blown out of proportion. If the quarterback struggles or hears consistent chatter about flipping his commitment, it creates noise that is hard to ignore. Meanwhile, programs like Ohio State or Michigan may continue to court the player behind the scenes, making it clear that the door is always open. This persistent attention can make a recruit feel like he’s being pulled in multiple directions, even after he’s made a decision.
That brings us back to the idea of sharing. While the term may seem strange in the context of recruiting, it reflects a broader truth: until that National Letter of Intent is signed—and sometimes not even then—the commitment doesn’t necessarily mean exclusivity. A quarterback may wear Alabama gear, take pictures with DeBoer, and express his love for the Crimson Tide, all while quietly continuing conversations with other programs. Coaches at other schools might ask him to keep the lines of communication open “just in case,” and many recruits do. It’s become part of the process.
There is also the potential for post-signing drama. Even if the quarterback officially signs with Alabama, the portal era has changed everything. Players are more empowered than ever to change schools if things don’t go as planned. If the quarterback feels he’s not developing, not being used properly, or not getting playing time, he may enter the transfer portal after a year or two. And guess who might be waiting with open arms? That’s right—schools like Ohio State or Michigan that had recruited him heavily before. In this new era, commitments and signings are starting lines, not finish lines.
In the end, Alabama football will always be a magnet for top-tier talent. A commitment from a 2026 Ohio quarterback is a major win on the recruiting trail and a signal that the program is still elite under its new leadership. But the days of feeling secure after a verbal pledge are long gone. With NIL, the transfer portal, intense regional loyalty, and non-binding commitments, Alabama may need to brace itself for a recruiting battle that continues long after the cameras are off and the announcement tweet is posted.
In other words, they may have to share—not literally, of course, but in influence, attention, and potential outcome. Until pen meets paper and the first snap is taken in Tuscaloosa, Alabama won’t fully own its newest quarterback star. That’s the new normal in college football recruiting, and Alabama, despite all its glory, isn’t immune.
