Happy Friday, everyone. As you know, yesterday was a big recruiting day for the Tide with five-star RB EJ Crowell and four-star TE Mack Sutter pledging to Kalen DeBoer.
Crowell is already doing some recruiting.
Gadsden cornerback Zyan Gibson, the No. 4 Alabama prospect in 2026, started the trend Dec. 24 by committing to Alabama. Crowell, the No. 3 in-state prospect, continued that trend June 26.
The top two Alabama prospects remain unaccounted for: five-star wide receiver Cederian Morgan, who has his decision date scheduled for July 2, and five-star edge Anthony “Tank” Jones. Crowell had a message for each of them.
“Cederian, come on home, man. You know where home at, bro,” Crowell said. “Tank, come on.”
Come on home, indeed.
Matt Zenitz is hearing that Keon Keeley is on schedule to make an impact this season.
“He’s really improved,” a source said. “The older guys in the room have done a great job with him and he’s really taken the attitude of: I’m going to take these steps. But he’s a guy that can be depended on to be physical in pass rush.”
The biggest growth for Keeley seems to be from a maturity and approach standpoint. Sources describe him as “physically gifted,” but it’s been the growth in other areas that’s led to the optimism at Alabama that he may finally be ready to start becoming a factor for the Crimson Tide defense.
“I believe he will (take a big step forward),” a source said. “He will play.”
Keeley was moved inside shortly after getting to campus and has had to add weight to his frame while developing his skillset. Give him credit, as it isn’t often these days that a prospect ranked #1 at his position, and #3 overall in his recruiting class, sticks around for a third season after not seeing significant time in the first two. He has done just that, however, and it would be great to see the fruits of his labor pay off. Keon is weighing in at 277 these days according to the roster, after coming in as a 240 lb. freshman OLB.
Ty Simpson’s younger brother drew an Alabama offer.
Kalen DeBoer didn’t recruit Ty Simpson, but the Alabama coach and his staff are now officially recruiting Simpson’s younger brother.
Graham Simpson shared late Thursday he received an offer from the Crimson Tide. He’s a 2028 quarterback recruit from Martin, Tennessee.
And another 2028 QB with a name you’ll recognize was seen camping in Tuscaloosa.
Knox, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound quarterback from Oxford High School in Mississippi, is emerging as a notable talent in the 2028 recruiting class. Having recently moved from California, where he played his freshman season at Palos Verdes, Knox has already garnered six college offers from programs such as SMU, Western Kentucky, Sacramento State, Georgia State, Murray State, and Florida International.
His performance at Alabama’s camp, where he worked alongside other quarterback prospects and the Alabama staff, further highlights his potential as a signal-caller. Lane Kiffin’s posts, including a humorous Instagram story captioned “Pov: Coach Kiffin,” showcased Knox mimicking his father’s media presence, adding a lighthearted touch to the visit.
Hard to believe that Knox doesn’t end up in Oxford, if he’s good enough.
Last, SI is looking at the LSU game this week as Garrett Nussmeier continues to get all the hype.
LSU expects to be one of the teams competing for a playoff spot, but like any good team, challenges on the road make it a tough task. Unlike a number of Power Four teams, the Tigers scheduled a fairly rare true out-of-conference road game against another high major. That contest will shed early light (or, otherwise, dim it) on the team’s prospects; the unforgiving SEC schedule that follows is ripe with opportunity for quality showings regardless of the week-one outcome. LSU has one of the best groups of transfer players in college football, supplementing an already good roster with high-quality talent.
1. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
After a 4,000-yard season in which he led the SEC in completions (337) and attempts (525), the Tigers veteran is back for his final collegiate campaign. He’s a confident gunslinger prone to the occasional bad decision; his 12 interceptions last year led the league, as well.
Brian Kelly has some serious expectations in what is going to be a critical season for his career in Baton Rouge.
That’s about it for today. Have a great weekend.
Roll Tide.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
