Last year we saw the Crimson Tide reel in a record recruiting class for 2023 and they look to roll that success into the 2024 class. What started off to be a relatively slow class, has bloomed into a top 3 class and we all know Saban would love to be atop the rankings come February.
Check out our latest recruits we could see flipping from their current teams to Alabama.
1.) Kevin Riley-RB (Miami Commit)
The running back out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Tuscaloosa County H.S.) Kevin Riley, is one locals are familiar with. The #3 overall ranked running back in the class of 2024 is currently committed to Miami, but sources have confirmed is planning on visiting Alabama before the early signing day next week. Riley is quick with his feet, but a feisty back that sheds tackles and gets extra yardage. At 6'0 and 212 pounds, the Tuscaloosa native has held offers from just about everybody in the country and has been committed to Miami for a while now, however, the plot thickens. Miami is currently trending to flip Ohio State running back commit, Jordan Lyle, which could push Riley toward Alabama. Alabama is open to taking two backs for this class, as they currently do not hold a running back commitment for 2024.
2.) Jadan Baugh-RB (Arkansas Commit)
With Alabama leaning towards getting a couple of commits for the running back position this class, one name that might not be as heralded as others, is Jadan Baugh. The three-star running that stands at 6'1 and weighs 215 has a solid stature, and a vision that allows him to move along the field for his team.
Alabama was linked to four-star running back Kewan Lacy recently, however sources say that NIL played a bigger factor in his process than originally anticipated, which led him to commit to the Missouri Tigers. The good news for the Crimson Tide, is that they just wrapped up an in-home visit with Jadan Baugh and his family today. It would not be surprising to see Baugh land in Tuscaloosa.
3.) Tristan Jernigan-LB (Texas A&M commit)
Next, is a name a lot of Alabama fans might already be familiar with--Tristan Jernigan. Jernigan has been highly sought after by Bama for awhile now and has been trending towards making the flip to the Tide. Jimbo Fisher was recently let go from A&M, and since then, all havoc has been happening with several of their players entering the portal, commits looking elsewhere, and this would be a perfect time for Nick Saban and his staff to capitalize on a flip.
Jernigan projects as an inside linebacker, containing quick speed, good hands, and fast pursuit to ball. Also Alabama has been tracking well lately, Texas A&M has not slowed down their pursuit. I could certainly see this coming down to the wire, but I like Alabama's chances right now.
Last but not least.. The one everybody has been waiting for..
4.) Perry "Uno" Thompson-WR (AU Commit)
Nick Saban and company have done an excellent job in grabbing the right places this class, however there are some recruits that they are still going after, especially with it coming down to the last minute to sign early this year.
A one time Alabama wide-receiver commit has taken the nation by storm recently, with his post on social media. Nick Saban, Kevin Steele, and Holman Wiggins paid Thompson and his family a visit this week, which has Auburn fans a little skeptical about his commitment, especially since Thompson has been recruiting hard for the Tigers since his commitment. Most people think Thompson is just doing his due diligence in hearing out the Tide coaches, but some believe there is a real chance the five-star receiver flips back to Alabama.
Auburn has one of the best NIL collective groups in the entire country, one of the best receiver groups committed for 2024, and Hugh Freeze is on a tear in terms of recruiting--However, when one of the best coaches of all time reaches out continually as Alabama has, its hard to turn your nose up. Whether its a troll, a ploy to get more NIL money, or even due diligence, I think there's a real chance that Perry Thompson is giving more thought to Alabama than people think. The one hiccup for Alabama, might be that Auburn is hosting him and others this weekend for a visit to see LeBron James son play against Auburn in basketball. We will see if the Crimson Tide can sneak in a little more time and effort before it gets cut off.
Perry Thompson has been compared to one of the better wide-receivers in Alabama history, Julio Jones, with his size, speed, and ability to high point the ball. Alabama currently has commits from the #4 overall receiver, Ryan Williams, who just re-classified from the 2025 class, four-star Rico Scott, four-star Amari Jefferson, and would certainly take Thompson to put the cherry on top to set their future up.
Early Signing Day is next week and Thompson, along with plenty more plan on signing then.
Note: Stats Via On3 Sports and 247 Sports.