Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class took a hit Thursday when four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson, a top defensive target, announced his verbal commitment to Ohio State following a recent visit to Columbus.
Johnson, a standout from Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio, had visits with Alabama and Penn State before making a decision.
Despite projections from recruiting analysts Nick Osen and Bill Kurelic that had Alabama in the mix, Johnson opted for his hometown Buckeyes,
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker posted 121 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and three forced fumbles during his junior season.
His commitment leaves Alabama without a second-level defender in its 2026 class, which currently includes just seven verbal commits and ranks 45th nationally, per 247Sports recruiting rankings.
Second-year coach Kalen DeBoer has already flipped four-star quarterback Jett Thomalla from Iowa State and secured the commitment of 5-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds in March.
While majority of fans were used to legendary coach Nick Saban’s stacking of recruiting classes, seeing the Crimson Tide struggle early on is a shock to many.
DeBoer’s 2025 class ranked fourth nationally and featured quarterback Keelon Russell, the No. 2 signal-caller, sign with the program after a fantastic 2024 season.
There are several quality pieces in Alabama’s current recruiting class but it still hasn’t quite met the program’s standard set for the past two decades.
Alabama is set to host 10 recruits this weekend headlined by 4-star edge rusher Anthony Jones, 4-star linebacker Anthony Davis Jr. and 4-star running back Ezavier Crowell.
Should Crimson Tide coaches impress many of its official visitors, DeBoer could hammer itself out of an early hole.
The Crimson Tide’s class currently ranks No. 47 nationally, according to 247sports recruiting rankings.
That number is highly deceiving as DeBoer’s class has commitments from one 5-star prospect and six 4-star prospects.
Add in the fact that Alabama’s class has the second-highest average among any program in the cycle and perception changes quite a bit.
Alabama’s 2026 Recruiting Class
DB Jorden Edmonds
ATH Zyan Gibson
OL Sam Utu
DE Jamarion Matthews
QB Jett Thomala
OL Chris Booker
DE Kamhariyan Johnson