Alabama Flips Offensive Lineman From LSU on Final Day of Early Signing Day Period

The Alabama Crimson Tide wrapped up its 2026 early signing class with a buzzer-beater addition of its fifth offensive line prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. Four-star offensive lineman Bryson Cooley flipped his commitment on Friday from LSU to Alabama and signed with the Crimson Tide.

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Cooley is a 6-foot-6, 315-pound offensive tackle prospect from West Jones High School in Laurel, Mississippi, and he had previously committed to former LSU head coach Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers. The Crimson Tide saw its opportunity and swooped in to add Cooley to its class. He is ranked as the No. 218 overall prospect, the No. 23 offensive tackle, and the No. 9 player in Mississippi for the 2026 recruiting class. Cooley first received an offer from the Crimson Tide on February 12, 2025.

247 Sports Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks wrote about Cooley in his scouting report from November:

"- Ready-made mass for the next level. Huge base and verified size with at minimum adequate length.
- Solid in most all categories in regards to functional ability down-to-down.
- Average body control but not deficient.
- High school left tackle who could potentially play three (RT, both guards), maybe (LT?) positions in college.
- Logged limited but valuable defensive snaps.
- Solid shot put data that checks multi-sport box and reflects power potential.
- Strong down blocker who can wipe out a side of the line.
- Consistent effort in all scenarios.
- Snap anticipation can get more consistent.
- Leans a tad but consistently works for leverage and roots out defenders from the point of attack.
- High-major offensive lineman who could provide valuable roster flexibility. Possesses the physical traits to contribute at multiple spots, and long-term upside to become a potential draft candidate."

With the addition of Cooley on Friday and running back Trae'shawn Brown on Thursday, Alabama now holds the No. 2 signing class for 2026, according to the 247 Sports Team Rankings.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.