ESPN ranks Alabama’s incoming class of transfers, high school recruits in top 10
By David Wasson
Published:
Moving companies and U-Haul rental outfits stayed plenty busy in the first few months of 2026 with all the early enrollees and transfer portal players across college football – as countless players either began their college journey or simply changed their college home.
Every Southeastern Conference program reloaded for the 2026 season in that fashion, and ESPN analysts Craig Haubert and Billy Tucker were tasked to rank their top 25 groups of newcomers – recruits and transfers combined – based on who could see the most impactful immediate returns for 2026.
Not surprisingly, the Alabama Crimson Tide was ranked No. 7 by ESPN – one of five SEC teams to crack the Top 10. Coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff landed several promising high school recruits, including running back Ezavier Crowell and wide receiver Cederian Morgan. Alabama also added some quality depth in the secondary in safety Jireh Edwards.
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The Crimson Tide, which advanced to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals last season despite a largely impotent rushing game, invested heavily via the transfer portal for offensive lineman – securing Ty Haywood from Michigan and Jayvin James from Akron.
Wide receiver Noah Rogers (NC State) is also expected to make an immediate impact alongside returners Ryan Williams and Lotzeir Brooks.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
