Alabama's latest 2026 QB offer could spell bad news in its pursuit of two others

Alabama has plenty of momentum on the recruiting trail in 2026, currently boasting the highest average rating for prospects in the class. But Kalen DeBoer and company have found it tough to lock down a QB in this cycle.

It's not exactly surprising after signing 5-star Keelon Russell in 2025. Most QBs don't want to have to compete with the uber-talented QB from Texas, who appears to be the future of the Tide program. The expectation is that Russell will be the starter at Alabama in 2026 and 2027, meaning whoever they land in this class will likely sit on the bench their first two years of college.

Finding a QB willing to do that in today's NIL/Transfer Portal QB isn't easy. It's what has made Ty Simpson's story so appealing to Alabama fans. It's why he has the full support of the fanbase.

On Wednesday, Alabama extended an offer to 4-star Tayden Kaawa from Orem, Utah.

Kaawa is originally from Honolulu, and Alabama's past success with Hawaiian-born Tua Tagovailoa at QB will no doubt help in its pursuit. Kaawa is a composite 4-star and is ranked as the No. 24 QB in the 2026 class, per the 247 composite. He has good size at 6-foot-4, and fits the bill for the type of QB that DeBoer, OC Ryan Grubb, and QB coach Nick Sheridan tend to prefer.

Alabama has been in hot pursuit of 4-stars Jett Thomalla and Matt Ponatoski as well. Thomalla has taken an unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa, and the Tide staff have been working on getting him back to Tuscaloosa for an official. He is currently committed to Iowa State and was in Ames last weekend. A decision on what he intends to do is expected soon.

Ponatoski is a bit riskier, being that he's a two-sport star. He was in Tuscaloosa for an official visit recently, and Alabama is a real contender for his services. He plans to play both football and baseball at the next level. Where he ends up in the 2026 MLB Draft could play a big role in his decision, too.

Alabama could take two QBs in the 2026 class

This could ultimately be a two-QB class for Alabama. With the expectation that Russell will be the starter in 2026, it seems likely that he's the last man standing in Alabama's current QB room. Simpson is expected to be the starter this season, but he's a bridge until Russell is ready. Austin Mack is unlikely to stick around for another year without a legitimate path to the starting job.

Finding a QB in the Transfer Portal content to be a backup will be a challenge, so signing two QBs in this class makes the most sense.

The two QBs weren't likely to be both Thomalla and Ponatosk, as they have plenty of other high-level suitors. But one of those two, plus Kaawa could be a legitimate possibility for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama is also getting an in-person look at 4-star in-state QB Landon Duckworth today, who is in Tuscaloosa for a 7-on-7 competition. Duckworth is ranked as the No. 51 overall player in the 2026 class, but to date does not have an offer from the Crimson Tide. He has an opportunity today to potentially earn that offer.

It remains to be seen if that offer comes if it's too little, too late in his recruitment as South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Auburn have seemingly separated themselves in his recruitment.