Kalen DeBoer contending with familiar foes for talented 2027 DB, Kenaz Sullivan

When it comes to the top recruits in the country, you can expect a few of the same familiar programs to be in the mix. Though he’s only entering his second year at Alabama, Kalen DeBoer already has his fair share of experience battling Georgia and Ohio State for five-star talent. He's had plenty of success, too, landing the most five-stars in the country for the 2026 class.

This time, however, the Crimson Tide, Bulldogs, and Buckeyes have all set their sights on a three-star safety, Kenaz Sullivan. Ole Miss, Duke, and Rutgers are also on the radar for the Stafford, Virginia, product, who could be on the rise through the recruiting rankings as his fall gameday visits approach. 

Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State all lurking for 3-star DB Kenaz Sullivan

The interest of national powerhouses could be a signal that Sullivan is an underrated player in the 2027 class and could have a rise through the fall. The 6-foot, 180-pound safety is currently the 376th player in the country according to 247Sports Composite and the 36th best safety in the country. 

He has continued to add offers throughout the summer, including picking up one from Penn State on Tuesday. Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss all offered him in August as he prepares for his junior season at North Stafford High School in Northern Virginia. 

Kalen DeBoer has been a slow starter on the recruiting trail through his first two years at Alabama. It took an early summer surge for the Crimson Tide to climb into the national top 5, where their 2026 class currently resides, and the same can be expected next year. 

So far, DeBoer has just two commits in the 2027 class: Jabarrius Garror, a four-star edge rusher from Mobile, Alabama, and Alexander Ward, a four-star wide receiver from Marrieta, Georgia. If Sullivan wants to make his decision soon, then that could favor one of the other powerhouse programs, but if he waits until the offseason, Alabama could feature more prominently in the proceedings. 

Gameday visits this fall will go a long way, but currently, Rivals has Rutgers as the favorite to land Sullivan’s commitment at 32.5 percent, with Ohio State next in line at 28.4 percent. Penn State’s recent offer could also spell trouble for the Tide in this race because James Franklin has historically recruited the northern Virginia area well.