Kentucky suddenly threatening Alabama hold on elite 4-star tight end commit

We all know Alabama's big recruiting run is coming this summer, just like it has the previous two summers. But for now, at least in terms of optics, losing another commitment this early in the 2027 cycle wouldn't be great for Kalen DeBoer.

As things stand, Alabama only has four commitments for the 2027 class. That puts them in the same position they were in a year ago, when everyone was convinced the sky was falling, just for a major summer push to shoot the Crimson Tide up the standings as they signed a second straight top-five class.

But of Alabama's four current commitments, only two feel locked in: 4-star QB Trent Seaborn, and 3-star TE Oakley Keegan, who committed to the Crimson Tide just a few weeks ago.

3-star CB Nash Johnson has been flirting heavily with rival Auburn, and now 4-star TE Colt Lumpris, who will be going on an extensive amount of visits despite his Tide commitment, is seeing Kentucky ramp up the heat in his recruitment:

Kalen DeBoer will have to fight to hang on to 4-star TE Colt Lumpris

The New Jersey native committed to Alabama back in December. He fits the mold of what DeBoer likes in his tight ends: he's 6-foot-6 and hyper-athletic. But commitments mean every little nowadays, and the early signing period is still eight months away. His recruitment is very much up in the air.

Under new head coach Will Stein, Kentucky is moving differently on the recruiting trail. The Wildcats made a big impression on 5-star Alabama QB target Elijah Haven, and while Haven isn't likely to end up in Lexington, the fact that they got themselves involved in that conversation shows a renewed energy and commitment to football that hasn't been there for the Wildcats.

DeBoer has his work cut out for him to hold onto Lumpris. Kentucky won't be the only program between now and December to make a push for the 4-star TE.