Another day, another commitment for Kalen DeBoer and Alabama football.
3-star LB Zay Hall, a Tuscaloosa native, announced his commitment to the Crimson Tide on Friday night, choosing hometown Alabama over Virginia Tech. Hall becomes the 13th commitment of the 2026 class for the Tide, and the eighth in the month of June alone.
BREAKING: Class of 2026 LB Zay Hall has Committed to Alabama, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 27, 2025
The 6’3 215 LB from Tuscaloosa, AL chose the Crimson Tide over Virginia Tech, Memphis, & JMU
“AGTG, Came Up Outta Dat Dirt Pile Now I’m Ballin“ https://t.co/Ie88FQhj1p pic.twitter.com/91Q3Lf5nau
For those who get caught up in star ratings, a 3-star LB like Hall, who is ranked as the 126th best linebacker and the No. 55 overall player in the state of Alabama in the 247 composite rankings, might not be too exciting of a pick-up. And sure, Hall isn't going to move the needle like Thursday night's commitments of EJ Crowell and Mack Sutter, but he's still a guy the coaching staff really likes.
Hall has gone from flying under the radar to a prospect that Alabama covets. And it's always fun to see a player who has dreamed his whole life of playing football for the Crimson Tide realize that dream.
But Hall has upside and long-term potential. He's not just holding a spot.
He's got impressive size at 6-foot-3, and he's up closer to 240 pounds now. During his official visit last weekend, he clocked a 4.5 40-yard dash that surely got the attention of the coaching staff, who probably gave him the green light to commit from there.
He might not be a guy you hear about immediately, but don't be surprised if you check in a few years from now and he's a key component to the defense after another year or two of development under his belt.
Who could commit to Alabama next?
Well, predictions have begun pouring in on Friday for Alabama to land 5-star LB Xavier Griffin, who is set to choose between the Crimson Tide, Ohio State, Texas, and Florida State. Alabama has been in a good spot for Griffin since he decommitted from USC in May, but his recruitment has been hotly contested and too close to call until recently.
Insiders logging predictions for him to end up in Alabama's class is a good sign just 48 hours from his announcement. Griffin would become the third 5-star committed to the Tide, joining RB EJ Crowell and CB Jorden Edmonds.
He likely wouldn't be the last, either, with Alabama trending for WR Cederian Morgan and S Jireh Edwards.
DeBoer and the staff have Alabama in a great position to continue the Summer Reign.