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The Alabama Crimson Tide and head coach Kalen DeBoer did not get off to the start they were wanting last season. In his first year taking over for Nick Saban, DeBoer led the program to a 9-4 record.
Obviously, that isn’t where the Crimson Tide want to stay long-term.
Moving on from a legendary head coach like Saban is no easy task. DeBoer needs time to turn the program into his program.
Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images
Following the departure of Saban, Alabama lost quite a few talented players to the transfer portal. DeBoer will have to rebuild the Crimson Tide in his image.
Read more: Urban Meyer Weighs in on Nick Saban’s Potential Return to Coaching
On Tuesday afternoon, Alabama received some huge news. That huge news had to do with elite 2026 four-star quarterback Tayden Kaawa.
According to a report from college football insider Hayes Fawcett of Rivals, Kaawa has decided to commit to the Crimson Tide.
“BREAKING: Four-Star QB Tayden Kaawa has Committed to Alabama, he tells me for @rivals,” Fawcett wrote on X. “The 6’5 225 QB from Molokai, HI chose the Crimson Tide over BYU.”
Fawcett also shared a brief message sent from Kaawa following his decision to commit to Alabama.
“Another Local boi in Tuscaloosa, Roll Tide!!”
Rivals currently has Kaawa ranked No. 26 at the quarterback position in the 2026 recruiting class. He is also ranked No. 9 in the state of Utah.
Read more: Longhorns’ Arch Manning Sends Strong Message Ahead of Season
This is a big step in the right direction for the Crimson Tide and DeBoer. Being able to bring in his own players, especially at quarterback, will be crucial for him turning things around and getting Alabama back to competing for national championships.
During his junior season at Orem High School in Utah, Kaawa threw for over 3,000 yards to go along with 28 touchdowns and he completed 63 percent of his pass attempts as well.
Following Kaawa’s commitment, the Crimson Tide now have 21 commitments in their 2026 recruiting class. DeBoer has done an excellent job of building out the class and Kaawa simply takes it even higher.
For more Alabama Crimson Tide and college football news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
