Top-Ranked Defensive Back Returning to Alabama

Alabama's defensive back recruiting has been a sight to behold, even with the Crimson Tide losing the most outstanding defensive back coach in Nick Saban and secondary coach Travaris Robinson when Saban retired.

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It's a testament to what the current Crimson Tide staff - head coach Kalen DeBoer, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, and secondary coach Maurice Linguist - have been able to do without a valuable secondary presence in Coach Nick Saban.

The staff was able to retain Domani Jackson and three five-star freshmen in Jaylen Mbakwe, Zabien Brown, and Zavier Mincey when Saban retired, as well as earn a commitment from Michigan safety Keon Sabb while retaining Malachi Moore and Bray Hubbard. All seven players were meaningful contributors to the Tide's top-ten defensive ranking last season.

In addition to the impressive retention, Wommack and the defensive staff earned commitments from five-star Dijon Lee and four-star Chuck McDonald at cornerback in the last recruiting cycle while welcoming in Utah transfer Cam Calhoun and freshman safety Ivan Taylor. What was viewed as a weakness before the 2024 season has arguably become the Tide's biggest strength heading into 2025.

The hot recruiting trail for defensive backs appears to continue into the 2026 recruiting cycle. Alabama has already earned two commitments in the secondary (four-star Zyan Gibson and five-star Jorden Edmonds). The Tide's staff is not complacent with just those two, as Alabama is reportedly pushing for five-star safety Jett Washington in the 2026 class as well.

Washington, a five-star, top-20 prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, has already visited Alabama once, according to the On3 Sports visit tracker. Now, Washington is reportedly returning to Alabama for a visit during the Tide's annual A-Day, which has been modified for the 2025 edition. He is ranked as the No. 3 safety in the country according to 247 Sports Composite rankings.

Alabama is among the top 11 schools in Washington's recruitment, alongside Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, Texas A&M, UNLV, and USC.

247 Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins wrote on Washington,

"Washington is a high major prospect in football and basketball. He’s the nephew of NBA legend Kobe Bryant (mom is Bryant’s sister) and helped lead the Gaels to a state title on the hardwood. He brings a lot of versatility to the gridiron as well. The big question with Washington is what position will he play in college. He’s a legit 6-5, 200 pounds and could end up at receiver, safety, linebacker or even grow in to an edge rusher. He played primarily safety as a sophomore and can play in the box, loves to hit and has a nice physical edge in his game. We’ve seen him work out at receiver and he looks natural running routes, has strong hands and can make plays down the field. With his frame and growth potential, it’s not hard to envision him eventually moving to linebacker but regardless where he lines up, he’s a tremendous prospect and has a very high ceiling."

Alabama offered Washington in July 2024, then he visited the Crimson Tide in September.

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_.