Bama kicks off Champions Cookout looking to regain momentum

Alabama’s “Cold Summer” theme has dominated the recruiting trail over the past few months. As a result, the Tide at one point held the top class in the 2025 cycle and currently trail the Ohio State Buckeyes by less than a tenth of a point. 

That recruiting momentum was dampened by a pair of decommitments heading into the final recruiting weekend of the summer. 2026 4-star defensive back Jamarrion Gordon flipped his commitment to UCF and 2025 4-star defensive lineman Antonio Coleman flipped to Auburn. 

While they aren’t backbreakers, these two in-state decommitments take a little wind out of the Tide’s proverbial sails as the summer winds down. Alabama still sits firmly positioned as one of the top classes in the country and will likely continue to recruit at a high level. 

The Champions Cookout, which is currently underway, will be the first opportunity for Alabama to start moving back in a positive direction. Standout running back AK Dear is a difference-maker and could be the next prized recruit to join Alabama’s 2025 class. 

The most up to date information on Antonio Coleman indicates that he still plans to be in Tuscaloosa today, even after flipping just last night. Surely he wouldn’t flip back just a day later, but Coleman’s recruitment has been anything but predictable so far. At the least, this event will give Alabama a chance to gain back some headway with the defensive lineman. 

Alabama is also hosting heavy Auburn lean and 4-star safety Anquon Fegans. While it’s a long shot for Bama to land Fegans, it would be awesome to see the Tide steal one from Auburn a day after the Tigers flipped Coleman. 

The Champions Cookout isn’t expected to be particularly eventful this year as Alabama already has 21 commitments. Outside of AK Dear, there aren’t any 2025 visitors on the clock to make an announcement. With two decommitments having already taken place this weekend, no news might be good news for the Crimson Tide.