Alabama Football has secured its first two commitments for the 2026 recruiting class in quick succession. The first commitment came from Jamarrion Gordon, followed closely by Dorian Barney, a highly sought-after four-star recruit from Georgia. Barney, who is ranked as the 41st overall player and the third-best cornerback nationally, chose Alabama over other prominent programs, including Georgia and South Carolina.
The rapid succession of these commitments has significantly boosted Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class ranking, propelling it to the fifth spot. This momentum can be credited to new defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist, who has already proven to be an effective recruiter by securing these two top-tier commitments. Interestingly, Jamarrion Gordon played a pivotal role in convincing Barney to join Alabama, highlighting the collaborative efforts in their recruitment strategy.
Alabama’s recruitment team intensified their efforts in Barney’s recruitment after extending an offer in March, ultimately overtaking Georgia as the frontrunner just before Barney’s decision. Barney is seen as an exceptional prospect, possessing the ideal physical attributes for a cornerback as he prepares for his junior season.
As Alabama Football heads into a busy summer recruiting season, they aim to attract more top talent for both the 2025 and 2026 classes. This 2026 class is particularly significant as it represents the first class under Kalen DeBoer without any input from legendary coach Nick Saban, underscoring its importance in shaping the future of Alabama Football.
