Kennesaw State’s football future just got a major boost. The Owls landed a verbal commitment from one of the top young wide receivers in the South, as 2026 three-star standout Jeremiah Tabb from Hoover High School (Alabama) announced his decision to join the program. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound playmaker chose Kennesaw State over offers from Arkansas, Memphis, UAB, and several others — a clear statement that the Owls are beginning to gain real recruiting momentum as they continue to establish themselves on the national stage.
For Kennesaw State, this commitment is more than just another addition to the roster — it’s symbolic of a program trending upward. In the increasingly competitive world of college football recruiting, landing a player of Tabb’s caliber sends a message: the Owls are not only developing talent but also attracting it. For a program transitioning into higher levels of competition and visibility, getting a player with Tabb’s combination of athleticism, production, and potential is a major win.
Tabb’s recruitment had been steadily heating up since his sophomore season at Hoover, one of the most respected programs in Alabama high school football. Known for producing top-tier college prospects year after year, Hoover’s players are tested against elite competition weekly, and Tabb has stood out even among that company. His frame, route-running ability, and physicality make him a nightmare matchup for defensive backs. College scouts have raved about his hands, balance, and knack for finding soft spots in coverage.
At 6-foot-2, Tabb brings the kind of size college coaches love in a modern receiver. He’s tall enough to win jump balls and high-point passes in the red zone, but he also moves fluidly enough to line up in multiple positions across the field. He’s been timed running in the 4.5-second range in the forty-yard dash, showcasing not only straight-line speed but also quick acceleration off the line of scrimmage. On film, he consistently displays the ability to separate from defenders with subtle moves and sharp breaks in his routes, traits that make him a reliable target on critical downs.
What also stands out about Tabb is his football IQ. Coaches and teammates describe him as a student of the game — someone who studies film religiously and constantly looks for ways to improve. His understanding of defensive schemes allows him to adjust mid-play and find ways to get open. That kind of mental sharpness, combined with his physical gifts, is exactly what makes him such a coveted recruit.
Tabb’s decision came after an extensive recruitment process in which he visited multiple campuses and built relationships with several coaching staffs. Arkansas made a strong push early, as did Memphis and UAB, each pitching him on the chance to play early and often in their offensive systems. But what ultimately set Kennesaw State apart, according to those close to his recruitment, was the personal connection he felt with the Owls’ staff — particularly head coach Brian Bohannon and wide receivers coach Mike Daniels.
Both coaches made Tabb a top priority in their 2026 class, staying in constant communication and emphasizing the vision they have for the program’s future. The Owls have been steadily building momentum in recruiting, and adding a player like Tabb represents a milestone moment. Sources familiar with the recruitment said that Tabb was impressed with how transparent and genuine the Kennesaw State staff was throughout the process — they didn’t just promise him playing time; they showed him how he could develop within their system and eventually take on a leadership role.
For Tabb, the commitment wasn’t just about football — it was about family, fit, and faith in the program’s direction. Hoover’s culture has long emphasized discipline, accountability, and teamwork — traits that align closely with what Bohannon has built at Kennesaw State. That sense of alignment played a huge role in his decision. In interviews, Tabb has often spoken about wanting to go somewhere he could “grow as a man, not just as a player,” and Kennesaw State’s developmental approach checked every box.
Kennesaw State’s rise in college football has been impressive. Since the program’s founding, it has gone from a new FCS program to a legitimate name in the national conversation, fueled by strong recruiting, disciplined coaching, and a culture centered around competition and growth. As the Owls continue to move toward full FBS membership, landing prospects like Tabb could become increasingly common. The staff’s ability to identify and connect with under-the-radar stars before they explode onto the national scene has been a key part of their success, and Tabb’s commitment only reinforces that trend.
What makes this commitment especially intriguing is what it signals to other recruits. High school athletes watch where their peers go, and when a player with multiple Power Five offers chooses a program like Kennesaw State, it raises eyebrows. It suggests that something special is brewing in Kennesaw — a place where players believe they can compete at the highest level while being part of a close-knit community. Tabb’s commitment could be a catalyst for a recruiting domino effect, encouraging other talented prospects to give the Owls a serious look.
For Hoover High, this marks yet another major college commitment from a program that continues to produce top-tier talent. Tabb’s success at Hoover has been built on consistency — not just big plays, but steady production and leadership. Coaches at Hoover have praised his work ethic and maturity, noting that he’s the type of player who sets the tone in practice. Even as a junior, he’s been viewed as a leader among younger players, showing a quiet confidence that translates well to the next level.
When asked about what makes Tabb different, one of his high school coaches reportedly said, “He’s not just talented — he’s dependable. You can trust him to make the right play, run the right route, and lift his teammates up. He’s coachable, humble, and competitive — the kind of guy every program needs.” Those qualities will undoubtedly endear him to his new coaches at Kennesaw State.
On the field, expect Tabb to bring a dynamic element to the Owls’ offense. His blend of size, athleticism, and hands makes him a versatile threat capable of stretching the field vertically or working underneath in possession situations. He excels in contested catch scenarios, often outmuscling defenders for the ball, and he’s shown impressive yards-after-catch ability thanks to his balance and field vision. With the right system and development, he has the tools to become a consistent playmaker at the college level.
For Kennesaw State fans, the excitement around this commitment is palpable. Recruiting is often the lifeblood of a program’s success, and the Owls have just landed a recruit who could be a foundational piece for years to come. Fans have already taken to social media to celebrate Tabb’s announcement, expressing optimism about the direction of the team. There’s a growing belief that Kennesaw State isn’t just building for short-term competitiveness but laying the groundwork for sustained success.
What’s particularly striking about Tabb’s commitment is that it continues a broader trend of talented recruits looking beyond traditional Power Five programs to find the best personal and athletic fit. In the era of the transfer portal and NIL, players are increasingly focused on relationships, stability, and opportunity — all things Kennesaw State offers in abundance. For many athletes, being part of a rising program and helping to build something new can be more appealing than being another name on a long depth chart at a bigger school.
Tabb’s journey to this point has been defined by patience and perseverance. Despite the attention he’s received, he’s maintained a grounded approach, focusing on improving his craft and helping his high school team win. That mindset aligns perfectly with what Kennesaw State’s program preaches — hard work, humility, and consistency. It’s no surprise that the two sides found common ground so naturally.
Looking ahead, Tabb’s commitment could prove to be one of the defining moments of Kennesaw State’s 2026 recruiting class. His presence not only strengthens the roster on the field but also elevates the program’s profile nationally. Other recruits, especially from talent-rich areas like Alabama and Georgia, are likely to take notice. The Owls have shown they can compete for recruits who might otherwise end up in Power Five programs — and win.
