Every program in the country is after 5-star CB John Meredith III, the No. 1 player in the country in the 247 composite rankings.
But his recruitment appears to be coming down to a one-on-one battle between Alabama and Texas A&M. The Fort Worth native has long been assumed to stay in-state to play for the Aggies, which will undoubtedly put together a major NIL offer to try and ensure it, but Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide have built some serious momentum with him and could ultimatley swoop in and steal him away.
No program in the country has recruited defensive backs the last two cycles like Alabama. Led by DB coach Maurice Lingusit, the Crimson Tide has brought in elite talent on the back end of their defense, and hasn't been afraid to play that elite talent early.
The ability to earn the opportunity to play as a freshman has to be intriguing for a player like Meredith.
While Texas A&M should probably still be considered the favorite in his recruitment, On3/Rivals Vice President Steve Wiltfong considers it neck-and-neck.
"This is a recruitment that could help decide who is going to finish with the No. 1 recruiting class," Wiltfong said of Alabama and Texas A&M's battle for Meredith. ..."That's 1A and 1B in John Meredith's recruitment right now. He was back in Tuscaloosa in January, and Alabama continues to put a lot of pressure on the in-state Aggies in this recruitment, and I can very well see him playing for Kalen DeBoer and company.
Steve Wiltfong believes Alabama and Texas A&M are neck-and-neck for John Meredith III
Wiltfong went on to say that his prediction is still on Texas A&M, but it's clear that Alabama has a real chance here.
It'll come down to what Meredith decides is his biggest priority. If it's all NIL-related, then Alabama won't be able to compete with the offer that Texas A&M is able to put together. The Aggies have the deeper pockets and won't be outbid by anyone.
But Alabama's history of DB development works in its favor. And that hasn't stopped post-Nick Saban, either. Alabama has seen freshmen earn quick playing time at CB the last two seasons, with Zabien Brown emerging in 2024 and Dijon Lee in 2025. 5-star Jorden Edmonds or 4-star Zyan Gibson could make it three consecutive seasons in 2026.
Meredith could be next in line, but DeBoer and Linguist will have their work cut out for them to pull the 5-star out of Texas.