Kalen DeBoer has Alabama off to another slow start in the 2027 recruiting class. The Crimson Tide holds just three commitments for the next cycle following the decommitment of 4-star EDGE Jabarrius "Chicken" Garror, who was the highest-ranked player in the Tide's class.
BREAKING: Four-Star EDGE Jabarrius Garror has Decommitted from Alabama, he tells me for @Rivals
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 14, 2026
The 6’3 220 EDGE from Mobile, AL had been Committed to the Crimson Tide since July 2024
He’s a Top 90 Recruit in the ‘27 Class (per Rivals)https://t.co/xAEkzZ1YCa pic.twitter.com/QCc4FySluC
This isn't exactly new for Alabama under DeBoer. They have gotten off to slow starts in both the 2025 and 2026 cycles the last two years before rallying with massive summer recruiting runs to secure Top 5 classes.
But Garror is a big loss, and he might not be the only current commitment who ends up elsewhere. Both TE Colt Lumpris and CB Nash Johnson III have multiple visits planned for the spring/summer and aren't exactly secure in their Tide commitments.
What's next for Kalen DeBoer and Alabama after Jabarrius Garror decommitment
Alabama is in the running for some of the top edge defenders in the 2027 cycle and should be able to effectively rebound from losing Garror.
5-star Georgia native KJ Green is the top target for the Crimson Tide. He'll visit Alabama on the weekend of June 18th, and named the good guys his leader back in January.
5-star Maryland native Anthony Sweeney is another top edge target for DeBoer and company. He has a visit scheduled for May 28th. It's too early in his recruitment to know which teams are setting the pace, but getting him on campus for a visit is a major step in having a real shot at landing his signature come December.
Alabama is out in front for 4-star Tennessee native Antwan Jackson, who will join Sweeney on a visit to the Capstone on May 28th. Orlando 4-star edge Fredrick Ards will also be on campus that weekend as the Crimson Tide looks to position itself in his recruitment.
Garror is an unfortunate loss and will force DeBoer and company to swim upstream again in the 2027 cycle. But he and GM Courtney Morgan have proven more than adept at that, and should find a few talented players to more than make up for Garror's decommitment as Alabama looks to sign a third consecutive elite recruiting class with this staff.