Kalen DeBoer has Alabama battling for 5-star playmaker against Big Ten, SEC rivals
The Alabama Crimson Tide are big-game hunting against some familiar foes for a 2026 elite playmaker. Head coach Kalen DeBoer pulled off several major wins in the 2025 recruiting class, and he's in the mix for an Illinois native who could easily stay in the Midwest. However, On3 reported that tight end Mack Sutter is […]
The Alabama Crimson Tide are big-game hunting against some familiar foes for a 2026 elite playmaker. Head coach Kalen DeBoer pulled off several major wins in the 2025 recruiting class, and he's in the mix for an Illinois native who could easily stay in the Midwest.
However, On3 reported that tight end Mack Sutter is down to five schools, and Alabama earned one of his official visits. Depending on the scouting service, Sutter is rated between a high four-star and five-star, making him a high-priority target for DeBoer.
The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder has a lot going for him, including the company he keeps. While On3 thinks he stays local with the Illinois Fighting Illini, it'd be an upset for a blue-chipper to do so. It happens occasionally but not enough in college football recruiting to believe one of the powerhouses like Alabama can sway Sutter.
Ole Miss, Ohio State, and Penn State also locked in camp visits for this summer. The No. 111 prospect in the country had this to say about Alabama:
“Big-time program. First time I stepped on campus, it felt so electric and awesome and all the people there. I love Coach [Kalen] DeBoer. He’s down to earth. Kind of like a Midwestern guy. Big-time family guy, too. Going there it’s a great place. I see myself there and the overall fit. Last year, they played with a tight end every down and it’s cool to see. They’re getting those guys on the field.”
He will start in April with visits to Illinois on April 11 and Ole Miss on April 25. After that, he will head to Ohio State on May 30, followed by Penn State on June 6 and Alabama on June 20.
During his junior year at Dunlap, Sutter excelled in multiple roles. He recorded 35 receptions for 505 yards and seven touchdowns, while also passing for over 100 yards. On defense, he accumulated 26 total tackles, six sacks, and one interception, according to MaxPreps.
