Alabama gets concerning update from DL commit after his Tennessee visit

Kalen DeBoer is going to have his work cut out for him down the stretch to hang on to 3-star defensive lineman JJ Finch. The Indianapolis native committed to the Crimson Tide in June, but that hasn't stopped programs from pushing to change his mind.

Finch remains committed to Alabama, but DeBoer and company are going to have to hold off a furious charge from Tennessee down the stretch to hang on to him.

Finch visited Tennessee over the weekend for the Oklahoma game. Even though the Vols lost, it's clear that Finch came away from his visit to Knoxville impressed.

So impressed, in fact, that Finch told 247 after the game that his decision between Alabama and Tennessee was going to be "hard."

Finch is one of the most underrated prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. Rated only 3 stars and the No. 532nd overall prospect in the composite rankings, Finch's offer list is that of a prospect who should be much higher rated.

Along with Alabama and Tennessee, Finch has previously been coveted by the likes of Miami, Michigan, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Penn State, among others.

Alabama will have a chance to lock JJ Finch down this weekend

It's a good time to get Finch back on campus. The 3-star defensive lineman is currently expected to be in Tuscaloosa this weekend to attend Alabama's home matchup against LSU. It's a perfect opportunity for DeBoer and the coaching staff to seal the deal with him.

Alabama can point to the development and instant impact made by another 3-star defensive lineman on this current roster to further entice Finch toward Tuscaloosa.

Freshman London Simmons has been a revelation on the Crimson Tide's defensive line. He was a guy, like Finch, who was undervalued by the recruiting services but was able to carve out an immediate role for Alabama. You can bet that DeBoer and DL coach Freddie Roach will point to Simmons' quick development to motivate Finch to stick with his verbal commitment to the Crimson Tide.

With just a month to go until the early signing period, Alabama has plenty of work to do to seal the deal on another elite recruiting class. Alabama currently holds the No. 3 overall class in the country, according to the composite rankings.

Finch wouldn't be a devastating loss, but he's a player the staff is high on, and Alabama could use all the talent and depth they can get on the defensive line.