In a move that has sent shockwaves across the college football recruiting landscape, 6-foot-5 quarterback Jett Thomalla has officially flipped his commitment from Iowa State to the University of Alabama. The towering signal-caller, known for his cannon arm and uncanny pocket poise, had been the cornerstone of Iowa State’s 2025 recruiting class. But in a dramatic turn of events, Thomalla announced late Monday evening that he would instead take his talents to Tuscaloosa, stunning Cyclones fans and energizing Crimson Tide faithful with the kind of bold decision that could shape the next chapter of SEC football.
Thomalla’s commitment comes at a pivotal moment for Alabama. With new leadership steering the post-Saban era and the program striving to reassert its dominance in an increasingly competitive SEC, the addition of a pro-style quarterback with elite traits is more than just a headline—it’s a strategic masterstroke. Thomalla not only brings physical tools that mirror the likes of former Tide greats, but he also carries the mental toughness and leadership acumen that programs covet in a future face of the franchise.
The recruitment of Thomalla had been one of the most tightly contested quarterback battles in the nation. For months, Iowa State looked to have locked in a program-altering player. He was lauded as the jewel of their upcoming class, with coaching staff and fans alike envisioning him as the quarterback who could finally elevate the Cyclones into perennial Big 12 contention. Thomalla’s relationship with Iowa State appeared rock-solid, bolstered by multiple visits to Ames, a strong connection with the coaching staff, and glowing praise from offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, who had played a key role in developing the Cyclones’ quarterback room in recent years.
But Alabama had never fully exited the race.
Sources close to Thomalla indicate that Alabama’s recruitment of the quarterback had remained persistent, measured, and confident. Despite the public commitment to Iowa State, the Tide coaching staff—known for their recruiting prowess—stayed in contact with Thomalla, emphasizing the opportunity to compete at the highest level, the resources available in Tuscaloosa, and the program’s unmatched NFL pipeline. The pitch was simple: greatness is forged in the fire of competition, and there’s no hotter crucible than Bryant-Denny Stadium on a Saturday night.
Thomalla’s flip underscores the power and pull that Alabama continues to wield on the national stage. Even as other programs rise and coaching transitions occur, the Crimson Tide remain a magnet for elite-level talent. Thomalla, ranked among the top five quarterbacks in the 2025 class by multiple recruiting services, is seen as a foundational player who could elevate Alabama’s quarterback room for years to come. With his combination of size, touch, and mobility, he fits the mold of modern SEC quarterbacks—big enough to withstand pressure, skilled enough to attack defenses from anywhere on the field, and poised enough to command respect in the huddle.
The announcement reverberated across social media moments after it was made public. Thomalla released a short video on his social platforms, dressed in Crimson Tide gear and standing inside a mock-up of Alabama’s quarterback meeting room. In the video, he thanked Iowa State for believing in him but said, “This is about chasing the highest standard. Alabama is where I want to compete. I’m ready to be part of something special.”
The Iowa State staff reportedly received word just hours before Thomalla’s public flip. While they expressed disappointment, they also offered support for the quarterback’s decision. In a statement, head coach Matt Campbell said, “Jett is a tremendous young man, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward. Recruiting is a competitive space, and we respect his choice. Our focus remains on building a strong class and developing the next great Cyclone leaders.”
Still, losing Thomalla is a painful blow for a program like Iowa State, which rarely gets its hands on a quarterback with that level of national attention. It also raises questions about how the Cyclones will pivot, both in terms of their quarterback recruiting strategy and the broader structure of their 2025 class. Already, there are whispers that several other prospects committed to Iowa State are reevaluating their own decisions in the wake of Thomalla’s departure, though no official decommitments have occurred.
As for Alabama, this flip is more than just a win—it’s a message. New head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff have drawn a line in the sand, declaring that the Alabama standard still stands. Thomalla’s commitment becomes a symbol of that renewed energy and ambition, and it instantly repositions the Tide’s recruiting class into the top tier nationally. Analysts are now predicting that with Thomalla in the fold, Alabama could finish with the No. 1 overall class in 2025—a feat they have achieved numerous times in the past under Saban but one that would now carry even greater significance in the new era.
Recruiting experts have long projected Thomalla as a future star. A multi-sport athlete in high school, he possesses a rare blend of athleticism and precision. Scouts have praised his deep ball accuracy, his ability to make off-platform throws, and his leadership both on and off the field. At 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, he has an NFL-ready frame and the kind of mechanics that coaches love to refine. Thomalla has also been described as a “film junkie,” often staying late after practices to study coverages and make adjustments. One coach from his high school called him “an old-school quarterback in a new-school body.”
His impact on Alabama could be immediate. While the Tide have a crowded quarterback room featuring a mix of veterans and underclassmen, Thomalla’s ceiling makes him a legitimate contender for early playing time. With the SEC expanding and the College Football Playoff format changing, depth and talent at quarterback have never been more critical. Alabama has always embraced competition, and bringing in Thomalla will only raise the standard across the board.
Off the field, Thomalla’s flip also holds NIL implications. While neither side has confirmed the financial components of his decision, multiple sources within the recruiting industry have pointed out that Alabama’s NIL infrastructure played a significant role. The university’s established collectives and alumni-backed NIL initiatives have proven to be a valuable asset in recruiting battles, especially when elite prospects are weighing their long-term development and branding potential. Thomalla, whose marketability is expected to soar in the coming years, now steps into one of the sport’s most visible programs.
