Alabama Crimson Tide appears to be in prime position to secure commitment from 5-star defender following latest recruiting intel

The Alabama Crimson Tide has been targeting an elite member of the 2027 recruiting class at the cornerback position. Here is where things stand as summer recruiting carries on.

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer
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Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Alabama Crimson Tide remains entrenched in its summer recruitment battles, aiming for quality additions over total masses, with only nine players a part of the 2027 class.

The Crimson Tide has its eyes on a trio of five stars after securing a commitment from Elijah Haven a few weeks back, and now Alabama is looking at Xavier Sabb, Monshun Sales, and, of course, Hayden Stepp. Here is the latest on the latter of those three.

Alabama 2027 recruiting class

  • QB Elijah Haven (5-star)
  • LB Kenneth Simon II (4-star)
  • QB Trent Seaborn (4-star)
  • RB Nigel Newkirk (4-star)
  • DL Avrian “AJ” Pauley (3-star)
  • TE Michael Nnabuife (3-star)
  • TE Oakley Keegan (3-star)
  • Kicker Luke Cody
  • RB Tai Phillips (3-star)

Alabama remains in a good position when it comes to 5-star CB Hayden Stepp

“I’m leaning toward Alabama for the Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman cornerback with Oregon and California two others that can’t be ignored and Georgia rounding out the top four. Stepp has had great trips to Tuscaloosa including his official visit two weekends ago. Going back to the Under Armour All-America Game in January, Alabama was setting the pace and Kalen DeBoer and company are working to get it across the finish line.” – Steve Wiltfong, Rivals-On3

As it stands, Alabama has yet to receive a commitment from a defensive back, much less a corner, so securing a commitment from Stepp would be a major win for the Crimson Tide. The 5-star out of Bishop Gorman is one of the top corners in the class, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a year-one impact that rivaled what we just saw from Dijon Lee in 2025.

Like Lee, Stepp is also from the West Coast, which shows Alabama’s wide net when it comes to recruiting. If the Crimson Tide can secure Stepp, their 2027 class will feature commits from every corner of the United States.

We’ll see if Alabama can close the deal.

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