
After legendary head coach Nick Saban retired, the Alabama Crimson Tide faced a significant coaching transition at the end of the 2023 season. The program brought in Kalen DeBoer to take over as head coach, marking the beginning of a new era in Tuscaloosa. DeBoer’s first season at Alabama in 2024 ended with a 9-4 record, a respectable performance as he worked to establish his vision for the team. Now, as he looks ahead to the future, recruiting has become a top priority for maintaining Alabama’s status as a national powerhouse.
One of the key recruits Alabama is targeting for the 2026 class is edge rusher Khamari Brooks. According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Alabama is one of several schools Brooks plans to visit officially. The four-star prospect, ranked as the No. 14 edge rusher in the 2026 class per the On3 Industry Rankings, has a busy summer ahead with scheduled visits to multiple top programs. Brooks will be in Tuscaloosa from June 6-8 as part of his recruitment process. Before that, he plans to visit Georgia from May 30 to June 1. After his Alabama visit, he will head to Texas from June 13-15 and then USC from June 20-22.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 230 pounds, Brooks hails from Bogart, Georgia, and is considered one of the top defensive prospects in his class. As recruiting analysts continue to monitor his decision-making process, the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine currently projects Georgia as the front-runner to land him, giving the Bulldogs a 42.6% chance of securing his commitment. Alabama is not far behind with a 28.1% chance, while Texas (12.2%), USC (10.2%), and Georgia Tech (3.6%) round out the list of contenders.
Brooks has been a priority target for Alabama throughout the recruiting cycle, and the Crimson Tide coaching staff has been working to build a strong relationship with him. He has already visited Alabama three times, making his upcoming June visit the fourth time he will be on campus. In addition to Alabama, he has also made visits to Georgia, Texas, USC, and Georgia Tech as he continues to evaluate his options.
Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class currently consists of three four-star commitments: cornerback Zyan Gibson, edge rusher Jamarion Matthews, and inside offensive lineman Chris Booker. As DeBoer and his staff work to add more talent to the class, they are hoping to make a strong impression on Brooks during his visit to Tuscaloosa.
DeBoer’s first year leading Alabama came with its challenges, as the team had to adjust to a new coaching style and game plan. Additionally, the Crimson Tide lost several key players to the 2025 NFL Draft, including quarterback Jalen Milroe, tight end CJ Dippre, offensive guard Tyler Booker, and linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Despite these departures, Alabama remains focused on developing its roster and competing at a high level.
Looking ahead, Alabama will open its 2025 season against the Florida State Seminoles on August 30. With a new season approaching, DeBoer will look to build upon his first-year success and position the Crimson Tide for a strong run in the years to come.