The majority of Alabama fans probably would have preferred Auburn hang on to Hugh Freeze, who the Tigers finally fired on Sunday in the aftermath of an embarrassing 10-3 home loss to Kentucky. But the Tigers' despair was still good news for the Crimson Tide.
4-star DL Nolan Wilson, an Alabama commitment, took a visit to Auburn over the weekend as the Tigers looked to make a play for the blue-chip recruit. It's safe to say he left the Plains less than impressed with what he saw from a program that continues to be "so close" to a breakthrough, yet so far away.
Wilson is a guy Kalen DeBoer and company desperately want to hang on to down the stretch of the 2026 recruiting cycle. Alabama has an obvious need for difference makers on the defensive line, and Wilson has all the tools to be just that.
The Picayune, Mississippi native ranks as the 60th overall player in the 247 composite and the No. 3 player in his home state. Wilson announced his commitment to Alabama back on July 4th. Wilson's recruitment was another example of this staff's ability to evaluate. The Crimson Tide jumped on Wilson before anyone else and was his first offer, which ultimately paved the way for him to commit. That early belief meant a lot to Wilson.
Auburn is unlikely a factor for Nolan Wilson, but Alabama still has work to do
This never felt like a visit that was going to be overly concerning for Alabama. Auburn was among his final five, but the Tigers are a dumpster fire right now. They've fired yet another coach, and are currently 4-5 and staring down the barrel of another losing season.
Alabama's biggest competition down the stretch for Wilson is still likely to be Miami. The Hurricanes have made Wilson a priority this fall. They were among his final group when he committed to the Crimson Tide initially, and they haven't given up hope.
Alabama still sits in a good spot. Wilson is committed to the Tide and hasn't wavered from that to this point. That doesn't mean DeBoer and company don't still have work to do to secure his signature next month, however.
Wilson is a major priority for Alabama. He's the Crimson Tide's highest-rated defensive line recruit in the 2026 class and could be an immediate contributor up front next season. DeBoer and company will do what it takes to keep him in this class.