Nick Saban Possibly Playing Major Role in Recruitment of 5-Star Linebacker
Nick Saban Possibly Playing Major Role in Recruitment of 5-Star Linebacker originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
"Pulling out all the stops" just means different when it comes to the Alabama Crimson Tide recruiting elite football players.
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On Friday, 2026, five-star edge rusher Anthony Jones took his official visit to Alabama. Jones shared his experience via Instagram, and making an appearance was none other than former Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.
Sep 7, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Nick Saban walks off the field after it was renamed in his honor at Bryant-Denny Stadium during halftime of Alabamaís win over South Florida 42-16. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Saban spent 17 seasons in Tuscaloosa, winning double-digit games every season sans his first. More impressively, he won six national titles, coached four Heisman Trophy Award winners, and won a ludicrous 16 bowl games.
He retired following the conclusion of the 2023 season, but his successor, former Washington Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer, hoped Saban would stay involved with the program in some capacity.
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Saban meeting with the top prospect's family on Friday is one way to remain invested in the program.
Jones is a top-ten edge rush prospect in the class of 2026 per 247Sports. Alongside Alabama, his recruitment has no shortage of suitors, with him holding offers from the Oregon Ducks, Texas A&M Aggies, Miami Hurricanes, Auburn Tigers, LSU Tigers, Clemson Tigers, Colorado Buffaloes, Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, and the Georgia Bulldogs, among others.
Alabama has two hard commits from edge rushers in the 2026 class, but Jones would undoubtedly be their biggest get. Cooper Petagna, the National Recruiting Analyst for 247Sports, says, "Jones displays a collegiate-ready frame in conjunction with an explosive lower half that bodes well for his ability to make an impact sooner rather than later at the next level."
Related: Alabama Dealt Disappointing Recruiting News on Thursday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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