Alabama and Kalen DeBoer on verge of losing 5-star receiver to LSU…Read more
Alabama football, under head coach Kalen DeBoer, has faced significant challenges in retaining top-tier recruits, particularly at the wide receiver position. A notable setback occurred in November 2024 when five-star wide receiver Caleb Cunningham, who had been “1,000% committed” to Alabama since July, flipped his commitment to Ole Miss. This decision came after Cunningham attended an Ole Miss game, where he felt a strong connection with the community, stating, “Man, my brand is big [in Oxford]. People know who I am.”
The Crimson Tide’s recruiting struggles have extended beyond Cunningham. In January 2025, five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood decommitted from Alabama, opting to reopen his recruitment with offers from programs like Michigan, Florida State, and LSU. This decommitment added to the growing concerns about Alabama’s ability to secure elite talent under DeBoer’s leadership.
Despite these challenges, Alabama has made efforts to bolster its roster. In December 2024, the Crimson Tide successfully flipped wide receiver Derek Meadows from LSU during the early signing period. Meadows, a standout from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, brings impressive size and athleticism to Alabama’s receiving corps.
As the 2025 season approaches, DeBoer and his coaching staff are under pressure to stabilize their recruiting efforts and maintain Alabama’s competitive edge in the Southeastern Confer
ence.
