Top-Ranked DB Target Sets Commitment Date

Alabama has developed a strong pipeline in California on the recruiting trail, especially at cornerback. Domani Jackson and Zabien Brown, both key starters on Alabama's roster last season, hailed from the other side of the country, while five-star freshman Dijon Lee and much-anticipated four-star freshman Chuck McDonald are both waiting in the wings from California to get their shot with the Crimson Tide.

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Now, Alabama is back on the trail for one of the top athlete recruits in the country. According to Hayes Fawcett of On3 Sports, Brandon Arrington, the No. 1 cornerback/athlete in the 2026 recruiting class, is down to five schools and has set his commitment date for July 5.

The Crimson Tide is one of five finalists for Arrington, joined by Oregon, Penn State, Texas A&M, and USC.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound prospect from Le Mesa, California, is ranked as a consensus five-star as the No. 13 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class and the No. 1 cornerback in the country. He is the No. 2 player in the state of California, behind only quarterback Ryder Lyons.

While we don't believe Alabama currently leads for Arrington, the Crimson Tide still can make up ground before his commitment in the Summer. If Arrington had to commit today, I believe Oregon would be the top prospect's choice.

He's ranked as the No. 1 cornerback recruit, but Alabama may utilize him in a different skillset, with the Crimson Tide's wide receiver coach, JaMarcus Shephard, being his primary recruiter. The California superstar totaled 10 touchdowns, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one interception during his junior season.

Arrington has set all of his official visits already, with each school in his top five getting a visit.

Penn State: May 2
Texas A&M: June 5
Alabama: June 13
USC: June 17
Oregon: June 20

He has already made two visits to Alabama, being hosted by five-star freshman cornerback and California native Dijon Lee on his most recent visit.

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_.