Kalen DeBoer has found it difficult to find Alabama's QB in the 2026 recruiting class. Such is the burden of signing such a game-changing prospect as Keelon Russell in the 2025 class.
Alabama has kicked the tires on the top prospects, guys such as Jared Curtis, Faizon Brandon, and Keisean Henderson, but it's difficult to pitch high-level prospects like that to come in and sit on the bench for two seasons.
Russell is the future of the Tide program. Having that locked in is a good thing, but it has made it challenging to add to the room. QB is a big priority in this class; not necessarily to land a difference-maker, but for depth. There's a real chance that Russell is the only QB on the current roster left standing after this season.
It seems likely that Russell will be handed the keys for 2026. Most expect Ty Simpson to start this season and then move on. If Austin Mack doesn't have a realistic path to the starting job next year, he'd be best served to transfer with two years of eligibility remaining.
DeBoer and OC Ryan Grubb have been looking for more of a developmental player in this class. A guy who would be willing to sit and learn for a couple of seasons before having a legitimate shot at competing for the starting job in 2028.
Their focus had narrowed to New Jersey QB Derek Zammit, but he ultimately committed to Washington after a visit to Alabama.
Now, Alabama has turned its attention to a new QB, one who is currently committed to another program.
Alabama extends offer to 4-star Iowa State QB commit Jett Thomalla
On Thursday, Omaha, Nebraska QB Jett Thomalla, an Iowa State commit, revealed he had received an offer from the Crimson Tide:
Thomalla is a consensus 4-star prospect and the No. 16 overall QB in the 247 Composite rankings. He's the top player in the state of Nebraska and the No. 235 overall player in the country.
Thomalla raised his profile significantly last season by leading his high school, Millard South, to the state championship. In the process, Thomalla set state records for his classification in passing yards and touchdown passes. He threw for 3663 yards with 47 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Thomalla has the physical tools at nearly 6-foot-4 with good arm strength.
247's Andrew Ivins wrote in his scouting report that Thomalla is a player who probably needs a year or two of development before he's ready to start. That's perfectly fine for DeBoer and the Alabama staff. He's exactly the type of player they are looking for.
Thomalla committed to Iowa State last month, but the recent offer by the Crimson Tide is likely to raise his profile immensely. The next step for DeBoer and company will be getting Thomalla to Tuscaloosa this summer for an official visit.