TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The No. 1-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide added another major piece to their already elite recruiting class today as five-star wide receiver Jaylen Whitmore announced his commitment to the program, choosing Alabama over several top-tier suitors, most notably Michigan State. The announcement, made via a nationally televised segment and echoed across social media, was a moment of culmination for one of the most closely followed recruiting battles in the 2025 class.
Standing at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Whitmore is widely regarded as the best wideout in the nation. With track-star speed, elite route-running ability, and NFL-caliber hands, he became a household name during his junior season at St. John Bosco High School in California. Over the past year, he entertained offers from dozens of Power Five programs. But his decision ultimately came down to two: Alabama and Michigan State. And despite Michigan State’s rise under head coach Jonathan Tucker, Whitmore’s heart—and his football future—belonged in Tuscaloosa.
Speaking from his high school auditorium moments after revealing the crimson and white Alabama cap, Whitmore didn’t hesitate to explain his choice.
“Alabama just felt like home,” he said. “The culture, the standard, the development—it’s second to none. I have nothing but respect for Michigan State. They were incredible from start to finish, and I built real relationships there. But when I thought about who I want to be, and where I want to take my game, there was only one answer: Bama.”
This commitment marks a crucial win for Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, who continues to silence critics questioning whether he could sustain the recruiting success achieved during the Nick Saban era. DeBoer’s staff has not only maintained that elite level—they’ve arguably elevated it. Whitmore becomes the seventh five-star recruit in the Tide’s 2025 class, which now holds the top spot in every major recruiting ranking. And with Whitmore in the fold, Alabama adds a potential day-one difference-maker to an already loaded receiver room.
Alabama receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard, instrumental in Whitmore’s recruitment, spoke briefly after the announcement.
“Jaylen is that rare type of player who changes the game the moment he steps on the field,” Shephard said. “But it’s not just his skill—it’s how he works. He’s hungry. He studies film like a pro. He’s been groomed for this stage. And now, he’s joining a program where iron sharpens iron. He’ll thrive here.”
While Alabama’s pedigree in developing NFL talent is widely known—particularly at the wide receiver position—Whitmore’s decision also points to a larger trend in modern recruiting. More than NIL packages, more than flash or immediate playing time, elite recruits continue to value the combination of winning culture and player development. Alabama, for all its previous accolades, remains unmatched in both categories.
In an exclusive interview following the commitment, Whitmore broke down the decision-making process in greater detail.
“Michigan State was coming hard. Coach Tucker and that staff? Man, they’re building something serious up there,” Whitmore said. “They came with the vision, the plan, everything. And East Lansing? It surprised me. It really did. The fans, the love, the facilities—they showed me everything.”
“But when I visited Alabama, it was different. I could see the standard in everything they do. The nutrition plans. The workouts. The academic support. Even how the players talk to each other—there’s a mentality. I wanted to be part of that.”
He also cited relationships as a pivotal factor. Quarterback commit Cole Sampson, the No. 1 QB in the country and fellow five-star, had been working on Whitmore for months, even hinting at a “dynamic duo” that could rewrite Alabama’s offensive record books.
“Cole’s my guy,” Whitmore said. “We met at Elite 11 and clicked right away. He told me, ‘Come to Bama, and let’s eat.’ We’ve been talking routes, schemes, even just vibing off each other. I think we can do something special together.”
Special is exactly what Alabama fans are expecting. With the loss of veterans like Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond to the NFL, the opportunity for a player like Whitmore to step in and make an immediate impact is significant. Still, the freshman knows nothing will be handed to him.
“I’m ready to earn everything,” he said. “Coach DeBoer told me straight up: ‘You’ll have to work, just like everyone else.’ That’s what I love about it. No favorites, no promises. Just the grind.”
On the field, Whitmore’s versatility is his greatest weapon. He’s equally dangerous on the outside and in the slot, capable of burning corners with deep routes or breaking ankles with quick cuts across the middle. His senior season saw him post 87 catches for 1,542 yards and 17 touchdowns—numbers that only scratch the surface of what he’s capable of. He’s also an accomplished return man, and Alabama special teams coordinator Coleman Hutzler has already expressed excitement about using him in that role.
But beyond stats, it’s Whitmore’s leadership and poise that set him apart. His coaches at St. John Bosco rave about his film study habits, his willingness to block in the run game, and his mentorship of younger teammates. And for a program like Alabama—where the “Process” is gospel—that mindset fits perfectly.
Not surprisingly, social media exploded after the announcement. Alabama players and recruits quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the addition. Cole Sampson simply posted: “Let’s gooooooo @JaylenWhitmore #BamaBuilt.” Several former Tide stars, including DeVonta Smith and Amari Cooper, liked or shared the announcement, lending a stamp of approval from the program’s storied receiver lineage.
Meanwhile, Michigan State fans and analysts were understandably disappointed but largely gracious in their response. Many acknowledged that while Whitmore’s decision stings, Tucker’s program remains on an upward trajectory and will continue to compete for elite talent.
Recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill offered perspective on the broader implications.
“This is a huge get for Alabama, and a near-miss for Michigan State,” Luginbill said. “They did everything right, but at the end of the day, Alabama’s track record—especially at wide receiver—is hard to beat. When a player like Jaylen is looking at his long-term goals, it makes sense. Still, the fact that Michigan State was even in the final two shows how far they’ve come.”
With signing day still months away, Whitmore made it clear that his recruitment is shut down.
“I’m done. 100% locked in. I’m rolling with the Crimson Tide.”
He plans to enroll early in January, eager to get a jumpstart on learning the playbook and adjusting to college life. And if his high school career is any indication, Alabama fans might not have to wait long to see him make an impact.
As for the legacy he wants to build, Whitmore smiled and looked directly at the camera.
“I want to be remembered as a guy who left it all out there. I want championships. I want to graduate. I want to be great. And I know I chose the right place to make it happen.”
In the ever-evolving world of college football recruiting, decisions like these shape programs—and players—for years to come. For Alabama, Jaylen Whitmore represents not just a top-tier addition, but a continuation of excellence. For Michigan State, it’s a reminder that they’re firmly in the conversation and not far from landing their own generational star. And for Whitmore, it’s the next step in a journey that seems destined for stardom.
The Tide just got a little stronger.
