Alabama football to get visit from highly regarded 2027 QB, son of former NFL gunslinger

Per a report from On3's Andrew Bone, Alabama football will host one of the top quarterbacks in the 2027 recruiting class on an unofficial visit next week.

Gunner Rivers, son of former NFL gunslinging QB Philip Rivers, will be in Tuscaloosa next week on a visit.

Per the 247 composite ranking, Rivers is the No. 48 overall player and No. 5 QB in the 2027 class. He's the No. 2 player in the state of Alabama and is being recruited out of Fairhope.

The elder Rivers was an Alabama native as well, ultimately eschewing both in-state Alabama and Auburn to play college football at NC State for a quicker path to playing time. He went on to be selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. Rivers spent 16 years in the NFL, the majority of which as a member of the Chargers, and was an eight time Pro Bowl selection.

Rivers is 6th all time in NFL history in passing yards.

The younger Rivers currently doesn't hold an offer from the Crimson Tide as Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb continue weighing their options for 2027. As of now, Alabama has offered Colton Nussmeir from Texas and Illinois' Trae Taylor. They've shown interest in Trent Seaborn from Alabaster, another 4-star QB from the state of Alabama in the '27 class.

Alabama doesn't yet have a commitment from a QB in the 2026 class. It's always difficult to sign back-to-back high-level QB prospects. DeBoer and company proved they could evaluate and sign the top talent at the position by landing 5-star Keelon Russell in the 2025 cycle, the No. 2 overall player in the country.

Russell's arrival in Tuscaloosa is likely to scare away the top talent in 2026, but the 2027 cycle should see Alabama able to sign an elite prospect at the position once again as they may only have to sit a single season as Russell's backup before he goes to the NFL if his current developmental path stays on track.