Kalen DeBoer and Alabama football have a ton of momentum on the recruiting trail as they head into what is shaping up to a massive summer for the program. The Crimson Tide only has five commitments so far in the 2026 class, but that will soon change.
DeBoer and his staff have made big impressions with recruits. If you're wondering how they continue to make in-waves with recruits all around the country, 4-star Orange, California native Samuel Utu had an illuminating quote he gave during an interview with On3Sports. The 6-foot-4, 320-pound offensive lineman came away impressed during his unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa.
"I would be getting developed by the best if I went to Alabama," said Utu.
Alabama's player development was always the calling card of the program during the Nick Saban era. Comments like that from Utu make it obvious that it hasn't changed under DeBoer.
“Alabama set the bar high on my visit. “It was my first time there and I spent a couple of days there and it made a huge impact on me. Learning about their injury rate, academic rate and graduation rate was great."
It sounds like DeBoer, OL coach Chris Kapilovic, and Crimson Tide GM Courtney Morgan made quite the pitch during Utu's first visit to Tuscaloosa. They touched on all the topics - both on field and off - and have picked up some serious momentum heading into summer visits.
Utu will visit take his official visit to Alabama in June
Alabama will get Utu back in Tuscaloosa for an official visit on June 6th. Utu also has plans to visit Tennessee and Texas following his trip to Tuscaloosa. He's taken visits to SMU and Washington already.
Utu told On3 he plans to announce his commitment in late July or early August. Alabama was not seen as a serious contender for the blue chip offensive lineman until now. The Tide has made up some serious ground and will be carrying a lot of momentum into his official visit next month.
DeBoer and company have proven to be masters of the official visit. They've knocked plenty out of the park and it was that fact that led to the 2025 class being as highly ranked as it was.
If that trend continues with the prospects Alabama has scheduled to visit campus this summer, then the Crimson Tide are set to be on a heater with a flurry of commitments.