During their last visits, Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide are attempting to snatch an elite defensive recruit from Auburn and other SEC rivals
Since taking over as Alabama’s head coach, Kalen DeBoer has made it clear that securing top defensive talent is a priority. With fierce competition from SEC rivals like Auburn, Georgia, and Tennessee, Alabama’s recruiting battle is heating up. DeBoer and his staff have been aggressively pursuing key defensive recruits, looking to maintain Alabama’s defensive dominance in the years to come.
The Pursuit of Zyan Gibson
One of the most intense recruiting battles involves Zyan Gibson, a highly coveted cornerback from Gadsden, Alabama. Standing at 5-foot-11 and 177 pounds, Gibson is ranked as the No. 4 cornerback nationally and the No. 4 player in Alabama for the 2026 class. While Gibson has already committed to Alabama, other SEC programs, particularly Tennessee and Auburn, are making strong pushes to flip him.
Tennessee was the first SEC program to offer Gibson, and they have remained in close contact with him and his family. Auburn has also made a concerted effort to lure him away from Alabama, emphasizing early playing time and a chance to be a cornerstone of their defense. Despite these efforts, Alabama remains confident in keeping Gibson committed, thanks in large part to his strong relationship with Alabama’s defensive backs coach, Maurice Linguist.
Dawson Merritt: A Key Linebacker Target
Another critical recruit on Alabama’s radar is Dawson Merritt, a four-star linebacker from Blue Valley High School in Stilwell, Kansas. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Merritt is a dynamic defensive playmaker ranked as the No. 7 linebacker and No. 62 overall player in the 2025 class.
Merritt has received more than 20 scholarship offers from programs like Michigan, Florida State, and Oklahoma. However, Alabama has made a compelling case, highlighting their history of developing elite linebackers such as Will Anderson and C.J. Mosley. Merritt has scheduled a visit to Tuscaloosa later this spring and plans to commit before the start of his senior season.
The Battle for Kavion Henderson
Kavion Henderson, a dominant defensive end from Leeds, Alabama, is another high-priority recruit. Originally committed to Arkansas in late 2023, Henderson has been heavily recruited by both Alabama and Auburn in an attempt to flip him.
Auburn’s proximity and defensive scheme have made them a strong contender, but Alabama recently hosted Henderson for an unofficial visit. Sources indicate that he left Tuscaloosa highly impressed by DeBoer and the vision for Alabama’s defense. This battle remains fluid, but Alabama is making significant progress in swaying Henderson’s decision.
Justin Hill: A Crucial EDGE Target
Alabama is also pushing hard for Justin Hill, a talented 6’4″, 225-pound edge rusher from Cincinnati, Ohio. Though Hill currently favors Ohio State, Alabama and Georgia are making compelling cases for his commitment.
Alabama’s pitch centers around their ability to develop elite pass rushers who transition seamlessly into the NFL. With Hill expected to make his final decision this summer, Alabama still has time to strengthen its position and land one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 class.
Alabama vs. Auburn: The Battle for In-State Dominance
One of the biggest concerns for Alabama fans is Auburn’s rising influence in in-state recruiting. As of now, Auburn has secured commitments from eight of the top 15 players in Alabama’s 2025 class, while Alabama has landed only three of the top 15. This shift has raised questions about whether Alabama can continue to dominate in-state recruiting as it did under Nick Saban.
Auburn’s pitch has centered around early playing time and the chance to be a foundational player in their defensive rebuild. Alabama, on the other hand, is leveraging its history of success and player development. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Alabama can regain its stronghold over in-state talent.
Can Alabama Maintain Its Defensive Dominance?
Kalen DeBoer’s first full recruiting cycle is proving to be a major test of his ability to secure top defensive talent. With ongoing battles for Gibson, Merritt, Henderson, and Hill, Alabama’s ability to close strong will determine how well they maintain their defensive edge.
Despite the fierce competition from SEC rivals, DeBoer has shown that he can recruit at an elite level. However, with Auburn and Tennessee aggressively pushing for top prospects, Alabama must remain vigilant to secure its place as the top defensive powerhouse in college football.
As signing day approaches, all eyes will be on DeBoer and his staff to see if they can lock down these key recruits and keep Alabama’s defense among the nation’s best.