Alabama Makes Final Four for Elite 2027 In-State Linebacker

On Friday, the Crimson Tide received positive news about its 2027 recruiting class. Four-star linebacker Kenneth Simmon II from Tennessee became the team’s second linebacker commitment in the class, announcing his decision on May 11th.

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On3’s Hayes Fawcett reported Friday that four-star linebacker Isaac McNeil has narrowed his final four schools to Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and Georgia. The No. 6 linebacker in the 2027 class also announced he will make his commitment live on the Rivals YouTube channel on June 2nd.

McNeil is a 6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker from Mobile, Alabama. According to 247Sports, he is the No. 6 linebacker in the class, the No. 2 player in Alabama, and the No. 87 overall prospect in the 2027 class.

Alabama offered the highly touted linebacker on January 21, 2026, shortly after Kalen DeBoer and his staff extended an offer. McNeil told Touchdown Alabama’s Justin Smith, “They’ve (Alabama) been the best for a long time. It’s just great to have an offer from them.”

McNeil visited Alabama two months later, traveling to the Capstone on March 27th. His next trip to Tuscaloosa is already scheduled: the four-star linebacker will be in town on June 19th for his first official visit to the university.

McNeil just wrapped up his junior season at Vigor in Mobile, Alabama, finishing the 2025 season with 92 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. He also contributed on offense, recording 10 carries for 29 yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, McNeil served as the Wolves’ kicker and punter, making a 28-yard field goal and converting 27 of 37 PATs, according to his 247Sports scouting report.

Landing McNeil would be a significant pickup for the Tide, especially after losing three of their top four tacklers from the 2025 season: Deontae Lawson (team leader in tackles), Justin Jefferson (second in tackles), and Nikhai Hill-Green (fourth in tackles). As a result, Alabama will need to rely on a young, relatively inexperienced linebacker corps this upcoming season.

247Sports scouting analyst Gabe Brooks describes McNeil as a “run-and-hit linebacker” and a “volume tackler.” Brooks notes that the rising senior is versatile, capable of playing multiple roles depending on the defense’s scheme, and could have a long career. McNeil’s full scouting report is listed below.

“Run-and-hit linebacker with some edge experience as well. In fact, shows some rush nuance with subtle counters and secondary moves. Triggers and flies to the ball as a run defender. Volume tackler who shows arriving pop. Displays the strength/power to play through traffic, but often anticipates alleys and takes good angles to the ball. Owns limited but valuable offensive touches, including four TDs in 10 short-yardage carries. Also serves as a kicker and punter and has even returned a few kicks. Higher-level athlete and natural football player who could fit multiple roles depending on scheme. Projects to the high-major level as a possible impact player with long-term pro potential.”

It's still too early to tell which school will land the four-star linebacker from Vigor. However, Alabama's inclusion in McNeil’s top four is a positive sign as the Tide looks to add its seventh commitment to the 2027 class. The class currently ranks No. 41 in the nation according to 247Sports, and Alabama has already secured the No. 2 player in the class and the top quarterback prospect, Elijah Haven, who committed on April 25th.

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