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Alabama lands 2026 commitment from sought-after CB, top-50 prospect
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Alabama is getting off to a hot start recruiting for the Class of 2026.
On Sunday, Kalen DeBoer’s staff landed an early verbal pledge from Dorian Barney. The blue-chip cornerback from Georgia shared the big news on social media.
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Out of Peachtree Ridge, Barney is listed as measuring 6-1, 170 pounds. On the 247Sports Composite, Barney is rated 4-stars, the No. 4 cornerback, No. 9 player in the state of Georgia and No. 44 prospect overall in the Class of 2026.
Fans can get a preview of what he brings to UA by watching his highlights in the clip below:
An early, but notable commitment
Barney is obviously a ways away from suiting up in crimson and white for the Tide. The 2026 class has two more seasons of high school football ahead.
Fans may be skeptical of the recruiting ranking of a young prospect, but Barney’s offer list shows that it’s not just media types impressed by his play. Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan and Ohio State are among the teams that have also expressed interest in Barney.
Barney gives Alabama two early pledges for 2026. Jackson (Alabama) High School standout Jamarrion Gordon got things started. Listed at 5-11, 185 pounds, Gordon is rated 4-stars, the No. 10 recruit in the state of Alabama, No. 17 safety and the No. 186 prospect in the class on the Composite.
With the way college football recruiting works, one might say that the Class of 2026 will be the first full cycle for the DeBoer staff.
The majority of the 2024 class had already taken part in the Early Signing Period when DeBoer was hired. Many of Alabama’s recruiting rivals were already deep into the process of identifying their 2025 targets and making early offers to establish interest and communication as DeBoer was assembling his first staff.
Barney and Gordon look like a solid start to 2026.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
