Alabama Crimson Tide’s 2026 four-star linebacker target, Cincere Johnson, has expressed optimism about the future of the program in the post-Nick Saban era. Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound prospect from Cleveland, Ohio, is ranked as the No. 8 linebacker in the nation, the No. 3 player in Ohio, and the No. 104 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.
In a recent interview with On3, Johnson shared his thoughts on Alabama under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, emphasizing his admiration for the coaching staff. “I love the coaching staff,” Johnson said, specifically mentioning Coach Chuck Morrell. He acknowledged the significant changes since Nick Saban’s retirement but noted that Alabama is building something special under DeBoer, striving to establish a new identity.
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Despite some criticism of Alabama’s performance during DeBoer’s first season, there were positive signs. The Crimson Tide finished with a 9-4 record in the 2024 season, which, while below the program’s high standards set during Saban’s 17-year tenure, was still considered a strong debut given the circumstances. DeBoer faced the challenge of succeeding arguably the greatest college football coach in history while adapting to the intense pressure and expectations of the SEC.
DeBoer’s first year focused on instilling his culture and adjusting to the unique challenges of leading a program with Alabama’s legacy. Although there were moments in the 2024 season that could have been improved, his efforts demonstrated that he is prepared to take on the demands of coaching at this level.
The enthusiasm from elite recruits like Johnson highlights the growing excitement surrounding the future of Alabama football under DeBoer’s leadership. Fans have reasons to look forward to the direction the program is heading.