Kalen DeBoer and Alabama land 2026 QB by flipping 4-star from Iowa State

Kalen DeBoer and Alabama finally found their QB in the 2026 recruiting class. Finding someone to join a QB room featuring last season's No. 2 overall player, Keelon Russell, has been a struggle, but the Crimson Tide just successfully flipped 4-star QB Jett Thomalla from Iowa State:

Thomalla committed to Iowa State back in April, but a recent offer and unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa had him weighing whether to stick with the Cyclones or join the Crimson Tide. Thomalla had stated that he would return to Tuscaloosa for an official visit only if he decided to flip his commitment to Alabama. It's safe to assume that Thomalla will join a loaded list of official visitors at the Capstone this weekend.

Thomalla is a consensus 4-star recruit and the No. 16 QB in the country, per the 247 composite. Thomalla could prove to be a real gem, and is one of 15 quarterbacks who are finalists in the Elite 11. As a junior last season at Millard South in Omaha, Nebraska, Thomalla put up eye-popping statistics reminiscent of what Keelon Russell did as a senior that elevated his status.

In leading his team to a state championship, Thomalla set state classification records in passing yards (3663) and touchdowns (47). He also threw only three interceptions and completed over 69% of his passes.

Thomalla is the 7th commitment for Alabama in the 2026 class.

Alabama may not be done at QB in the 2026 class

I've said it before, but it bears repeating: Alabama could end up with a two-QB class in this cycle. With only three QBs on the current roster, Alabama is already thin at the position. Add in the fact that most see Ty Simpson as a one-year bridge for Russell, and it's certainly possible that the freshman phenom is the last man standing at QB on the current roster.

If that's the case, then getting someone in the Transfer Portal will be incredibly difficult. There aren't many QBs who enter the portal in hopes of being a backup.

Thomalla is a guy who seems content with playing the long game in Tuscaloosa and working with a staff that has a proven track record of QB development.

Thomalla's commitment likely takes Alabama out of the running for two-sport star Matt Ponatoski, but the Tide recently began its pursuit of 4-star Tayden Kaawa and offered 3-star Bryson Beaver, who recently decommitted from Boise State.

Either Kaawa or Beaver would be a nice secondary QB in this class.

Landing Thomalla is a big win for DeBoer and company, and couldn't have come at a better time.