One of the prized recruits for Alabama's impressive 2026 signing class capped off an incredible high school career this week by leading St. Frances Academy to a "National Championship.". 5-star safety Jireh Edwards led his team to a win over Corner Canyon from Utah in the Overtime Nationals HSFB Championship:
Alabama signee Jireh Edwards capped off an outstanding high school career last night at St. Frances Academy.
— Crimson Coverage (@CrimsonCoverage) December 11, 2025
The Panthers picked up a win over Corner Canyon (UT) in the Overtime Nationals HSFB Championship.
Edwards will be an early enrollee at Alabama and figures to be an… pic.twitter.com/x7Y8IfLOk3
Edwards is one of the top defensive backs in the 2026 recruiting class. He finished ranked as the No. 32 overall player and the No. 3 safety in the country. The 5-star recruit has the build (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) to be an instant impact guy for the Crimson Tide next year.
Alabama is loaded with young talent in the secondary, but Edwards will push for playing time immediately. He'll enroll at Alabama next month to begin his collegiate career. He capped off his high school run the exact way he hoped, and will hopefully do the same during his time in Tuscaloosa.
Jireh Edwards has a chance to play early at Alabama
Edwards looks physically ready to play right away. Enrolling early and going through spring practice will give him an opportunity to push for immediate playing time as a true freshman next year.
Every year it seems Alabama has a true freshman or two who stand out during spring practice. This past year, it was WR Lotzeir Brooks and CB Dijon Lee. Both carved out immediate roles for the Crimson Tide this year. Edwards could follow that same path.
Alabama could lose both of its starting safeties to early entry in the NFL Draft. Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb both have a year of eligibility remaining, but both could forego that final season to enter the NFL Draft.
Alabama has quality players waiting behind them in Zay Mincey, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., and Ivan Taylor, among others. But Edwards is a special talent and could become an immediate factor at safety for the Crimson Tide.
Edwards is viewed as a "chess piece" on defense and could play multiple roles. He's physical enough to play in the box and has the coverage skills to drop back. Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack loves positional flexibility, and it's clear from watching his tape why Edwards was so coveted by the coaching staff.
Don't be surprised to see Edwards play a prominent role during his freshman season for the Crimson Tide.