Alabama’s July Recruiting Surge Adds Six Commitments, Including Five-Star Stars Cederian Morgan and Jireh Edwards in 2026 Class
The month of July was nothing short of explosive for Alabama on the recruiting trail, as the Crimson Tide added six commitments to their 2026 class, further cementing their status as one of the nation’s premier talent factories. Led by five-star wide receiver Cederian Morgan and five-star safety Jireh Edwards, Alabama’s class gained both star power and depth, sending a clear message to the rest of the college football world: the dynasty isn’t done—it’s evolving.
Recruiting dominance is nothing new for Alabama. Even with the departure of Nick Saban and the transition to the Kalen DeBoer era, the Crimson Tide have not lost a step in attracting elite talent. If anything, July’s surge suggests that the new staff is not only maintaining Alabama’s recruiting standard but doing so with fresh energy and momentum.
Cederian Morgan, the crown jewel of the July haul, is a five-star wide receiver out of St. Augustine, Florida. At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Morgan combines elite size with exceptional route-running and after-the-catch ability. He’s ranked as one of the top overall players in the nation and is already drawing comparisons to former Alabama greats like Julio Jones and Jerry Jeudy. What separates Morgan from others in his class isn’t just physical talent—it’s polish. Coaches who’ve worked with him describe a player mature beyond his years, with a tireless work ethic and a love for competition.
Landing Morgan was a major victory for wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard, who spearheaded the recruitment and developed a strong relationship with Morgan and his family early on. The Tide beat out Florida State, Georgia, and Texas for his pledge—schools that had pushed hard for months. But in the end, Morgan cited Alabama’s history of developing NFL receivers, along with Shephard’s vision for his role in the offense, as deciding factors.
Just as important to the class is the addition of Jireh Edwards, a five-star safety out of Buford, Georgia. Edwards is a versatile, hard-hitting defender who can play center field, slide down into the box, or match up in man coverage. At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, he has the frame and athleticism to impact the game in multiple ways. He’s been clocked running a 4.48 forty and has a 40-inch vertical, making him one of the most explosive athletes in the country.
Edwards’ recruitment was a head-to-head battle between Alabama and Georgia—two SEC heavyweights fighting for a player right in the Bulldogs’ backyard. For new defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist, this was a statement win. Edwards becomes the centerpiece of Alabama’s 2026 defensive class and fits perfectly into what coordinator Kane Wommack wants from his safeties: fast, smart, and physical.
The additions of Morgan and Edwards alone would have made for a successful month, but Alabama didn’t stop there. They rounded out July with four more commitments that filled key needs and added even more momentum to the class.
One of those is four-star offensive tackle Zion McNair from Houston, Texas—a massive, athletic lineman who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 310 pounds. McNair is still raw in some areas, but his physical upside is enormous. Alabama projects him as a potential left tackle, and his commitment was a major win for new offensive line coach Scott Huff. McNair chose Alabama over Texas, Oregon, and USC, and said the opportunity to play in the SEC and compete for championships was impossible to pass up.
In the trenches on the defensive side, Alabama landed defensive end Tyson Drake, a four-star pass rusher out of Chandler, Arizona. At 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Drake has a relentless motor and elite bend off the edge. He’s viewed as a perfect fit in Wommack’s aggressive system and brings a skill set that can be molded into an elite pass rusher at the next level. The staff has compared him stylistically to former Crimson Tide standout Tim Williams, noting his burst and ability to get skinny through gaps.
Alabama also added to their offensive skill group with the commitment of running back Jaedon Thomas from Miami, Florida. Thomas is a four-star prospect who blends speed and power with great vision. He’s not just a straight-line runner—he’s a true three-down back who can catch passes out of the backfield and handle pass protection responsibilities. Running backs coach Robert Gillespie was instrumental in landing Thomas, who chose Alabama over Florida, Miami, and Penn State.
Lastly, the Tide wrapped up the month with the surprise commitment of three-star linebacker Marcus Galloway from Montgomery, Alabama. Though Galloway doesn’t carry the same star rating as some of the others in the class, the coaching staff believes he’s a major sleeper with elite instincts and football IQ. He’s a classic Alabama linebacker: tough, smart, and physical. His commitment also speaks to the program’s continued ability to find and develop under-the-radar talent, something that has become a hallmark of the Tide’s success over the years.
What makes Alabama’s July recruiting run so significant isn’t just the number of commits—it’s the way the class is coming together. The Tide are building a well-balanced group that features elite skill players, versatile defenders, and physically gifted linemen. They’re addressing needs, winning battles against top competition, and doing so with a new coaching staff that’s still relatively fresh on the job.
It’s also a sign that the program’s brand remains as powerful as ever. Despite changes in leadership and the uncertainty that naturally follows, Alabama continues to attract players who are drawn to its history, its development pipeline, and its winning culture. Kalen DeBoer has leaned into that, making it clear to recruits that while he brings his own vision, the expectations remain the same.
“There’s no drop-off,” one national recruiting analyst said. “If anything, Alabama looks re-energized. The staff is connecting with kids, winning battles in new territories, and staying aggressive.”
Recruiting in the NIL era requires creativity, consistency, and strong relationships. Alabama’s July surge suggests the current staff is checking every box. From the Southeast to the West Coast, they’re finding players who not only fit schematically but also culturally. And with several top targets still on the board—including five-star quarterback Cameron Dean and five-star cornerback Tayvion White—the Tide’s 2026 class could end up finishing near the very top of the national rankings.
Even beyond the names and stars, there’s a deeper takeaway from Alabama’s recent run: stability. The message to recruits has been clear and consistent. Alabama is still a place where elite players come to get developed, to win, and to prepare for the NFL. That message has always resonated, but it’s especially powerful in a landscape where coaching turnover and roster movement have become the norm.
For Alabama fans, July served as a reminder that the program remains built to last. New faces, same standard. The six new commitments are not just a boost in rankings—they’re a symbol of continuity, a signal to the college football world that the machine is still humming.
And for the players who committed, the decision came down to more than just facilities or highlight reels. It was about culture, development, and trust.
Cederian Morgan put it simply in his announcement: “I wanted to be part of greatness. Alabama has always stood for that.”
With the momentum from July carrying into August and the season right around the corner, the Crimson Tide’s 2026 class is already shaping up to be one of the deepest and most talented in the country. If the past is any indication, many of these names will be making headlines not just on signing day, but on Saturdays in Tuscaloosa for years to come.
The dynasty may be entering a new chapter, but the story remains the same: Alabama recruits, reloads, and rises.
