While 4-star RB Nigel Newkirk remains committed to Alabama, his upcoming trip to Ohio State for a gameday visit next weekend has the Crimson Tide on high alert.
And Kalen DeBoer isn't waiting around and hoping for the best. He's already making contingency plans.
On Thursday, Alabama sent an offer out to 4-star RB Kingston Allen, a Green Bay native who has been committed to in-state Wisconsin since April:
Very thankful to receive an offer from The University of Alabama. I’m grateful for every opportunity and everyone who has supported my journey. pic.twitter.com/NsaOgQuK47
— Kingston Allen (@KingstonAllen17) October 30, 2026
Alabama offers 4-star Wisconsin RB commit Kingston Allen
I don't believe this offer to Allen is a coincidence. It came just a few hours after it was announced that Newkirk, who committed to Alabama at the end of May, would take a trip to Columbus for Ohio State's matchup against Oregon next Saturday.
Newkirk has said all the right things about remaining committed to Alabama, but the Tide appears to be preparing for a potential flip. There's a good chance that Ohio State is preparing a financial offer to Newkirk that the Crimson Tide just isn't prepared to match. There are a lot of moving parts in this era of recruiting.
The Buckeyes are desperate for a difference-maker at RB after missing out on 5-star David Gabriel Georges, who chose Tennessee over Ohio State during the summer. That desperation could lead to a significant offer to Newkirk.
Newkirk has yet to play during his senior season of high school after tearing his ACL, but he's set to make his return to the field this weekend after an impressive junior year that sent his stock soaring.
Allen would be a nice consolation prize for Alabama, which seems to have its heart set on a second consecutive two-RB class. Alabama signed 5-star EJ Crowell and 3-star Trae'shawn Brown in the 2026 cycle, both of whom have made an immediate impact in the Crimson Tide's backfield.
As things stand, Alabama holds commitments in the 2027 class from Newkirk and 3-star Tai Phillips.
Allen won't be an easy flip even if Newkirk decides on Ohio State, though. He's a Wisconsin native and currently committed to the home state Badgers, who will do everything they can to hang onto him. He's the No. 2 player in the state for the 2027 cycle.
Allen is in the midst of a prolific senior season at Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay. He's rushed for a staggering 2797 yards and 54 touchdowns on 13.1 yards per carry. The 2797 rushing yards are the most in the entire country.
Alabama certainly hopes to hold onto Newkirk, but they are taking an aggressive approach to ensure they aren't left without a top-ranked RB in this recruiting class.
If Newkirk ultimately flips, expect a full-court press on Allen.
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