'They stand pretty high': New Alabama recruiting target becomes an unexpected option for Kalen DeBoer
The Alabama Crimson Tide might be going bigger than expected for a quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class. While their interest in dual-sport four-star Matt Ponatoski is "strong" and they could flip Iowa State four-star commit Jett Thomalla, there's a new four-star option who might be the best option for the program. This week, Alabama […]
The Alabama Crimson Tide might be going bigger than expected for a quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class. While their interest in dual-sport four-star Matt Ponatoski is "strong" and they could flip Iowa State four-star commit Jett Thomalla, there's a new four-star option who might be the best option for the program.
This week, Alabama offered four-star quarterback Tayden Kaawa a scholarship, and he's clearly excited about the potential of going to Tuscaloosa. When asked about the team's he's most interested in, it wasn't Oregon's offer that he named, it was Alabama's.
“It’s Alabama,” Kaawa stated. “Everyone knows them and knows how they are and what type of program they got. They stand pretty high moving forward.”
A dual-threat passer at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds who is rising in recruiting ranks, Kaawa is just now catching the attention from bigger programs. He totaled 3,280 passing yards, 318 rushing yards, and 35 touchdowns last year.
Hawaii has been considered the favorite to land him because of his ties to the off-shore state, but that tide may be turning.
The tough thing for these three quarterback recruits and for Alabama to consider is who has the best chance to actually play. With four-star Keelon Russell added this past class, the next star quarterback might already be on Alabama's roster.
Whoever commits this cycle could be a bit of a forgotten presence if DeBoer can get Alabama back to the College Football Playoff. He's recruited extremely well despite being 9-4 last season and not boasting an overly interesting team headed into 2025.
We'll see how this fall affects that momentum.
For now, though, Alabama could two, if not all three, of their key quarterback targets. That didn't seem likely a few weeks ago.
