In a college football world that never stops surprising, the Alabama Crimson Tide just delivered the most jaw-dropping recruiting moment of the year. The nation’s No. 1 overall player—an unprecedented 7-foot-9 two-way phenom—has officially re-committed to Alabama after briefly de-committing earlier this spring. His decision over elite programs like Texas, NC State, and South Carolina has sent shockwaves throughout the recruiting landscape and reignited dreams of dominance in Tuscaloosa.
This isn’t just a commitment. This is a statement—one that places Alabama football squarely back in the center of the college football spotlight under head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Who Is the 7-Foot-9 Prospect?
Known simply as “The Tower” on social media, 17-year-old Samson Lockhart is already a living legend. Hailing from Aurora, Colorado, Lockhart towers over opponents in a way that defies imagination. Standing 7-foot-9, weighing in at 365 pounds, and possessing an 89-inch wingspan, Lockhart redefines what’s possible on the gridiron.
What makes Lockhart so special isn’t just his size. It’s his athleticism. A former high school basketball standout who can dunk without jumping, Lockhart made the full-time switch to football as a sophomore. Since then, he’s played both offensive tackle and defensive end with game-changing dominance. He runs a 5.2-second 40-yard dash, bench presses 475 pounds, and reportedly squats more than 650.
Recruiting services across the board unanimously rank him as the No. 1 overall player in the Class of 2026. 247Sports, On3, Rivals, and ESPN have all said he might be the “most unique prospect in football history.”
Re-Commitment Shocks the Recruiting World
Lockhart originally committed to Alabama in January, shortly after visiting Tuscaloosa for a home basketball game. However, following the retirement of longtime offensive line coach Eric Wolford in March and the aggressive push from Texas and South Carolina, he backed off that commitment, sparking national buzz.
During the last three months, Lockhart made official visits to Austin, Raleigh, and Columbia. All three schools pitched Lockhart on becoming the face of their programs.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, who had already landed a top-5 class, offered Lockhart a multi-million-dollar NIL package reportedly backed by some of the biggest boosters in the Longhorns’ network. NC State promised immediate starting time and an ad campaign focused around “The Tower of Raleigh.” South Carolina coach Shane Beamer leaned heavily into Lockhart’s potential impact both on and off the field.
But in the end, Alabama’s blend of tradition, development, and infrastructure won out.
“I’m coming back home,” Lockhart said in a viral Instagram post Monday morning. “Roll Tide forever. I’ve seen what else is out there. Nothing compares to Tuscaloosa.”
Why Alabama?
So, what convinced the tallest football recruit in modern history to return to Alabama?
Sources close to the recruitment point to several key reasons:
- Kalen DeBoer’s Vision: DeBoer flew to Colorado three times during Lockhart’s de-commitment period. His message? “You’re not just a recruit. You’re a legacy.” Lockhart’s father played semi-professional football, and the family admired DeBoer’s commitment to player development and championship culture.
- New NIL Opportunities: After initial uncertainty with Alabama’s NIL collective, a new partnership was finalized involving national brands interested in Lockhart’s marketability as a once-in-a-generation athlete. Sources say he could earn over $4 million annually.
- Offensive and Defensive Possibilities: Alabama plans to use Lockhart in both goal-line offense and short-yardage defense. He’s not just an offensive lineman—he’s a potential two-way nightmare. The last time Alabama used such a player was Terrence Cody, but Lockhart’s size and mobility are even more extreme.
- Legacy Building: Lockhart wants to be the first player of his size to win the Outland Trophy and be a top-five NFL Draft pick. Alabama has the track record and strength program to get him there.
Impact on Alabama’s 2026 Recruiting Class
Lockhart’s re-commitment immediately catapults Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class to No. 1 nationally.
The class already included five-stars like quarterback Dallas Greer (No. 2 QB), running back Braylon Sheffield (No. 1 RB), and linebacker Xavier Griffin (No. 2 LB). Now, adding Lockhart—who could very well be Alabama’s most marketable and impactful recruit since Julio Jones—makes this potentially one of the best classes in the last decade.
It also sends a warning shot to the rest of the SEC.
Under DeBoer, Alabama isn’t fading. It’s reloading—with a new-age recruiting machine that blends tradition, innovation, and modern athlete empowerment.
What Opposing Coaches Are Saying
Lockhart’s re-commitment even drew public comments from rival coaches.
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian:
“We respect Samson’s decision and wish him the best. He’s a once-in-a-generation athlete. We’ll see him on the field.”
South Carolina’s Shane Beamer:
“Alabama got a good one. Our staff put everything into this, but we’ll be ready when it’s time to face off.”
Anonymous SEC Coach via The Athletic:
“Good luck blocking a 7-foot-9 tackle with that kind of foot speed. Alabama is going to be terrifying.”
NFL Scouts Already Watching
Despite still being a high schooler, Lockhart is already on the radar of NFL evaluators.
“He could change what offensive tackle scouting looks like forever,” one AFC North scout told ESPN. “If his body holds up and he continues to move like this, we’re talking about a top-3 pick in 2029.”
Some scouts are even speculating whether Lockhart’s blend of length, strength, and explosiveness could make him a candidate to switch to tight end or defensive line at the next level. For now, Alabama is wisely leaving the door open for flexibility.
Social Media Meltdown
As expected, Lockhart’s announcement broke the internet.
On Instagram, his “Roll Tide Forever” post surpassed 3 million views in under 10 hours. X (formerly Twitter) trended nationally with hashtags like #SamsonReturns, #TowerTide, and #RollTower.
Alabama fans flooded message boards, praising DeBoer’s ability to secure the commitment despite heavy competition.
One fan summed it up best:
“This is the biggest commitment—literally and figuratively—in Alabama history. And we’re just getting started under Coach DeBoer.”
What’s Next for Lockhart?
Samson Lockhart is now expected to enroll early at Alabama in January 2026.
In the meantime, he plans to lead his Cherry Creek High School team to a third straight state title. He also hinted that he may participate in the Under Armour All-America Game, where measuring him in shoulder pads will be must-see TV.
Off the field, he’s scheduled to appear in several national commercials and a potential NIL documentary series titled The Tower: Building a Legend.
As for the NFL, Lockhart’s already dreaming.
“My dream is to play in the Super Bowl. But first, I want to win it all in Tuscaloosa,” he said.
Final Thoughts: A New Era Begins
With Samson Lockhart back on board, Alabama isn’t just back in the recruiting race—they’re leading it.
Kalen DeBoer is proving he can not only maintain Alabama’s elite standard but evolve it. The combination of NIL savvy, personal connection, and football excellence has once again made the Crimson Tide the destination.
College football may never have seen a player like Samson Lockhart before—and now, thanks to his historic re-commitment, we’re about to witness what happens when 7-foot-9 of unstoppable force meets Alabama’s immovable tradition.
