Alabama Going All In on Top 2026 Defensive Lineman

The Alabama Crimson Tide’s recruiting didn’t lose a step during the transition from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer. According to 247Sports, the Tide’s 2025 recruiting class finished No. 4 in the country. DeBoer is attempting to continue that momentum into the 2026 class, and defensive lineman Elijah Golden is a major prospect in the Tide’s sights.

The No. 40 player in the country according to 247Sports has three visits scheduled to Tuscaloosa with the first coming on March 22.

“The way they are recruiting me and how they are a winning program has Alabama up there for me,” Golden said. “I feel like I can see myself in an Alabama uniform.”

The No. 1 defensive lineman in the 2026 class is listed at 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds. Hailing from Sarasota, Florida, Golden plays for Cardinal Mooney High School, where he was credited with 61 tackles including 29 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, eight quarterback hits, and a pass breakup in 11 games. That stat line earned Golden MaxPreps Junior All-American second-team honors.