Alabama Football Heating Up: Tide in the Running for Four Elite Recruits
As college football recruiting ramps up heading into the summer, the Alabama Crimson Tide finds itself right in the mix to land four highly touted prospects. Nick Saban may have passed the torch, but the machine he built continues to roar forward under Kalen DeBoer. Alabama is now firmly in contention for Xavier Griffin, Ezavier Crowell, Cederian Morgan, and James Morrow — each a dynamic athlete with the potential to make an immediate impact on the field.
These four names are quickly becoming focal points in the Tide’s 2025 recruiting cycle, and if Alabama can close the deal, it could redefine the balance of power in the SEC moving into next season and beyond.
Xavier Griffin: The Defensive Anchor Alabama Needs
Credit: On3
Xavier Griffin is a name that’s rising fast among defensive coordinators and recruiting analysts alike. A dominant edge rusher out of Georgia, Griffin possesses the rare blend of length, speed, and explosiveness that makes scouts take notice. Measuring in at 6-foot-4 and pushing 205 pounds, he has the frame and skill set to be the next elite pass rusher to come through Tuscaloosa.
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Alabama’s staff has made Griffin a top priority, and for good reason. With his quick get-off and relentless motor, he fits seamlessly into the Tide’s defensive philosophy. He’s drawn comparisons to former Alabama standout Will Anderson Jr., and while those are lofty shoes to fill, Griffin’s ceiling is every bit as high. If Alabama lands Griffin, he could be the cornerstone of the 2026 defensive class.
Ezavier Crowell: Electric Playmaker With Game-Changing Speed
Credit: On3
Few recruits in this cycle bring the type of excitement that Ezavier Crowell does. A versatile athlete who projects as a running back or return specialist at the next level, Crowell brings blazing speed and elite vision to every snap. Hailing from Jackson, AL, he’s been on the radar of several top-tier programs, but Alabama is making a strong late push. Crowell is the RB we’re most confident will commit to Bama - and soon.
Crowell’s highlight reel showcases his ability to turn short gains into explosive plays. He’s a mismatch nightmare for defenses and a potential fan favorite with his flashy style and playmaking ability. His visit to Tuscaloosa reportedly went “better than expected,” and sources close to the program suggest that the Tide is firmly in his top three.
Cederian Morgan: Stretching the Field
Credit: On3
In the SEC, speed at wideout, and Alabama knows that better than anyone. That’s why the staff has turned its attention to Cederian Morgan, a massive in-state wide receiver with five-star upside. Morgan brings a rare combination of size, strength, and agility, making him an ideal fit for Alabama’s physical brand of football and storied prominence at the position.
At 6-foot-4 and around 210 pounds, Morgan is a matchup nightmare for defensive backs and a serious blocking option in the run game with nimble feet. He’s drawn interest from schools across the country, but Alabama’s reputation for developing wide receivers may give the Tide a crucial edge. Adding Morgan to the 2026 class would further solidify Alabama’s efforts to build from the outside in this cycle.
James Morrow: The Name You Don’t Know
Alabama has a storied tradition of pulling the top talent out of Georgia’s backyard, and with the potential addition of 6’2, 240 pound defensive lineman James Morrow, the tradition may continue. Morrow, high on Alabama and Auburn, may be heading to the Capstone, despite many recruiting agencies naming Auburn the favorite.
The rumor mill is churning, and it could be that the four-star DL, primarily recruited by Freddie Roach, may end up committing with the Crimson Tide sooner rather than later. This would be an instant boost for Alabama’s 2026 defensive line class, which many fans have considered to be an area of need. Morrow, certainly in need of some development, could be poised to make an impact for Alabama Football at an integral time down the road.
Spring Momentum Points to a Bright Future and Winning the State
Alabama’s push to land Griffin, Crowell, Morgan, and Morrow is just the latest sign that the Crimson Tide is not going anywhere, especially considering their understandable lackluster performance in recruiting the State of Alabama in the 2025 cycle. The recruiting trail remains hot, and with spring football on the horizon, there’s a palpable buzz around the program. Early enrollees are already turning heads, and the coaching staff is poised to keep building on that energy.
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As spring ball has ended, Alabama will continue to push for top-tier talent while developing its next generation of stars, especially through the summer, beating out Hugh Freeze and the state in recruiting The potential additions of these four elite recruits would only strengthen the foundation of a team that refuses to rebuild — it simply reloads. Stay tuned. The Tide is rolling again
