Even after another weekend of official visits, Alabama is still stuck at just six commits in its 2026 class. However, Kalen DeBoer’s early summer dry spell is not stopping the Tide from getting a boost in the recruiting rankings.
Alabama’s class remains outside the top 50 in the country, but it now features five blue-chip recruits after a weekly rankings update from 247Sports bumped offensive line commit Chris Booker up to four-star status.
Alabama OL commit @ChrisBooker72 is now a 4⭐️ prospect with a 90 grade, following the @247Sports weekly rankings update.
— Brett Greenberg (@BrettGreenberg_) June 13, 2025
“Legitimate four-position flexibility, rare athleticism & significant long-term upside.”
More with @247Hudson on the rating bump!
🔗 https://t.co/bHR2U6uyGs pic.twitter.com/OCoQFpUMEA
Chris Booker becomes Crimson Tide’s 5th blue-chipper in 2026 high school class
Booker ranks 287th in the 2026 high school class according to 247Sports Composite rankings, and the 6-foot-4, 285-pound Atlanta, Georgia, native ranks as the 22nd best interior offensive lineman in the country.
Booker committed to Alabama on February 20, just 19 days after receiving an offer from the Tide. Despite his commitment, Booker has spent his spring taking official visits to Georgia and USF, with trips to Ole Miss and Florida still on the docket.
DeBoer and his staff’s ability to identify high school talent early in the recruiting process appears to be paying off again with Booker, so long as he remains committed to the Tide through until the early signing period in December. As Booker continues to rise up the recruiting rankings, Georgia could press harder for the in-state talent as DeBoer’s battle with Kirby Smart on the recruiting trail continues.
Booker is one of three Alabama recruits from Georgia in the 2026 class, along with four-star edge rusher Jamarion Matthews and five-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds.
Playing left tackle for Hapeville Charter, Booker doesn’t always maintain the best pad level, especially in the run game, but his strength and athleticism still jump off the tape. He has nimble feet, which play to his advantage as a puller, and when he works his way to the second level. Booker will need to kick inside at the next level and must put on weight to do it, so he could be a developmental piece rather than a ready-made starter, but his recent rating bump could be a sign that he’s further along than expected heading into his senior season.
Maybe this rating bump can serve as a bit of momentum for DeBoer on the recruiting trail, but it’s not enough to placate the fanbase. If this commitment drought drags out, Alabama fans will begin to grow more impatient with a head coach who failed to win double-digit games in his first season at Alabama.