Alabama has quietly begun to shape its 2026 quarterback room, extending a wave of high-profile offers that signal a clear intent: they intend to build depth, competition, and readiness for the years ahead. With the arrival of coach Kalen DeBoer and co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan, the Crimson Tide are positioning themselves to continue their pipeline of elite signal-callers, and the class of 2026 has quickly become a hotbed of activity. Among the first dominoes to fall was New Jersey four-star quarterback Derek Zammit, whose offer from Alabama has generated excitement on both sides. Zammit, a DePaul Catholic High School standout, has amassed over 2,500 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, and added 560 rushing yards with six touchdowns—his dual-threat profile and poise drew immediate attention. Describing the offer, Zammit said, “Means a lot that they have enough confidence in me … I’m excited to get down.” His connection with Nick Sheridan and the broader Alabama staff is already strong, and Zammit’s plans include a visit to Tuscaloosa for the spring A-Day game—a clear indication that Alabama is among his top contenders
In tandem with Zammit, Alabama reached even higher, extending an offer to five-star Houston quarterback Keisean Henderson, who had already committed to the University of Houston. Henderson’s junior season output—2,689 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and seven rushing scores—combined with his improvisational skills, made the offer a statement play by the Tide. Alabama’s offensive staff, eager to land a true five-star talent, placed heavy emphasis on his versatility and upside (The athleticism and broad appeal of Henderson make him a coveted prize, signaling Alabama’s willingness to challenge existing commitments.
In the span of weeks, Alabama cemented the seriousness of its pursuit—Zammit confirmed as one of the first offers in the spring, followed shortly by Henderson—effectively staking out its intentions early. Mason Woods of SI.com noted that “the Tide continued its slow and steady approach,” focusing on Zammit and Henderson as their first two quarterback offers for 2026 That article made clear that the Crimson Tide don’t yet have a quarterback committed in the 2026 class, indicating that both of these offers were foundational to their recruiting strategy.
Much like in previous years, Alabama is playing both offense and defense on the recruiting trail. They’ve not only offered four-star athletes like Zammit and Henderson, but they’ve also turned their attention to well-known five-stars such as Jared Curtis, projected to be among the elite quarterbacks in the nation. Curtis, formerly committed to Georgia before reopening his recruitment, is being consistently pursued by Alabama. He’s scheduled to visit Tuscaloosa, among other top-tier programs like Ohio State, Oregon, Auburn, South Carolina, and Georgia . That’s in addition to Kalen DeBoer and Nick Sheridan officially visiting Curtis in January, a move that signals Alabama’s enduring interest
Meanwhile, the Tide’s attention is not limited to the hype train. They’ve also extended offers to under-the-radar but high-upside four-star quarterbacks like Jett Thomalla out of Nebraska and Tayden Kaawa from Utah. These athletes may not carry five-star star power, but they each feature traits Alabama values—size, athleticism, leadership, and on-field intelligence. Jem Thomalla threw for over 3,600 yards and 47 touchdowns with just three interceptions last season, earning an offer and official visit from Alabama, according to reporting (Similarly, Kaawa, a 6‑foot‑4 product of Honolulu playing in Utah, quietly climbed the ranks and landed an offer in June, joining other Power Five programs like Cal and Mississippi State in recognizing his talent
Underneath this flurry of QB offers lies a clear strategic roadmap set by coach Kalen DeBoer and Nick Sheridan. Their vision is informed by a unique philosophy and past success. DeBoer’s track record—inspiring Jake Haener at Fresno State, shaping Michael Penix Jr.’s Heisman-worthy development at Washington—illustrates his affinity for quarterbacks who excel with intelligence, anticipation, and pocket presence Sheridan, who has followed a coaching path from Michigan quarterback to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Alabama, carries a modern, strategic vision for recruitment and development . Their combined reputations have Alabama’s staff zeroing in on quarterbacks who fit the mold.
Yet part of the challenge facing the Tide is managing expectations among recruits aware of Alabama’s current quarterback depth chart. The 2025 signing of Keelon Russell—a five-star acknowledged as the franchise quarterback from 2026 onward—and the presence of Ty Simpson and Austin Mack complicate things. Alabama isn’t just recruiting for talent; they’re also seeking buy-in into a competitive environment where patience and development are valued over immediate starts. Derek Zammit’s perspective underscores this: “Every quarterback room, you are all working toward the same goal… I’m not one to shy away from a competition” Coach Campanile echoed this sentiment, praising Zammit’s “perfect makeup”—his intelligence, demeanor, and poise, all traits that fit well in Alabama’s high-pressure, high-reward atmosphere
Expanding that depth, Alabama’s offer strategy makes sense. Currently, the Tide have three scholarship quarterbacks: Russell, Simpson, and Mack. Russell is projected to start in 2026 and beyond; Simpson is expected to begin in 2025; and Mack may face a transfer portal choice if Thomas commits elsewhere. Alabama’s interest in signing two quarterbacks in the 2026 class is part of a plan to maintain elite depth and flexibility, should they lose players to transfers or NFL dreams .
Recruiting quarterbacks is unlike recruiting other positions. The single-game high-stakes nature of QB play makes it essential to have not one—but multiple—top-tier talents waiting in the wings. Alabama’s quarterback offer strategy for the 2026 cycle reflects a keen understanding of this reality: diversify the portfolio, target high ceilings, and recruit both top talent and players who fit your system and cultural expectations.
As of now, Alabama leads with offers to:
Derek Zammit (DePaul Catholic, NJ), a four-star with 2,582 passing yards and fluid dual-threat ability, drawn to competition and development under DeBoer and Sheridan .Keisean Henderson (Houston commit), a five-star with a cannon arm and pocket-rushing intrigue, whose commitment to Houston makes Alabama’s pursuit bold and aggressive (Jared Curtis, the top-tier prospect previously committed to Georgia, now wide open, and expected to visit Alabama as part of his recruitment .Ryder Lyons, a five-star out of Folsom, California, whose offer highlights Alabama’s coast-to-coast approach—adding a California signal-caller who’s still likely to sign elsewhere .Jett Thomalla (Nebraska), a four-star with elite production and a big frame, picked up fast after unofficial connections, drawing an official visit (.Tayden Kaawa (Utah via Hawaii), a rising 4-star with size, pocket vision, and decision-making qualities, who accepted an offer in June
These QB targets represent a balanced mix: tier-one blue chips, high-upside four-stars, and pedigree fits with Alabama’s system. And that’s before factoring in potential late offers or under-the-radar recruits Alabama might target as the cycle progresses. Mason Woods of SI noted that Alabama could very well add more names if any of their current targets head elsewhere. And in fact, they have not ruled out pulling additional offers to ensure they “sign a top quarterback a year after landing Keelon Russell”
This all leads back to Alabama’s broader goal: depth, competition, readiness. With the departure of Jalen Milroe to the NFL and the ever-present transfer portal, a pile-up of talented quarterbacks is a safeguard. It ensures that each summer, fall training camp brings out the best from every player, and the program continues to churn out pro-ready talents.
Recruiting in 2026 is still young, and Alabama’s early leads and offers are just the opening moves. But for a program accustomed to championship expectations, competition at quarterback is both a necessity and a calling card. As visits are scheduled, relationships are built, and decisions begin to take shape, one thing is certain: Alabama will remain one of the loudest voices in quarterback recruitment, looking to add not one but multiple future face-of-the-program talents in this class.
In conclusion, Alabama’s recruitment of 2026 quarterbacks is deliberate, strategic, and multi-dimensional. From blue-chip five-stars like Henderson, Curtis, and Lyons, to high-upside four-stars like Zammit, Thomalla, and Kaawa, each offer carries a purpose: reinforcing depth, securing future starters, and sustaining competition. With DeBoer’s QB development pedigree, Sheridan’s recruitment acumen, and the storied Alabama brand, this class—though early in its trajectory—could shape the next era of Crimson Tide quarterbacking talent.
