Can Kalen DeBoer Outmaneuver SEC Rivals to Secure Another Elite Defensive Back?
Alabama is already making waves in the 2026 recruiting cycle, having secured a commitment from 4-star cornerback Zyan Gibson as their first pledge. Now, they are on the verge of landing their second cornerback prospect. The latest player in their sights is Jorden Edmonds, a highly sought-after recruit ranked as the No. 12 cornerback nationally. However, securing Edmonds won’t be easy, as multiple SEC powerhouses are aggressively pursuing him. Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s head coach and former leader of the Washington Huskies, now faces a major test in navigating the ultra-competitive landscape of SEC recruiting.
The Final Stretch in the Battle for Jorden Edmonds
4-star CB Jorden Edmonds will announce his commitment February 19, he tells @ChadSimmons_👀
Will he choose Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee or Oklahoma?
Read: https://t.co/W7IezSyasW pic.twitter.com/R5dotiCovs
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) February 9, 2025
The recruitment race for Jorden Edmonds, a standout from Sprayberry High School in Marietta, Georgia, is reaching its climax. According to On3 Recruits, Edmonds is set to announce his commitment on February 19, a significant date as it also marks his birthday. The final contenders for his decision include Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. One of these programs is on the verge of adding a top-tier defensive talent to its roster.
As the announcement nears, Alabama and Georgia have emerged as the frontrunners, with Tennessee also making a late push. On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) currently favors Alabama and Georgia, but DeBoer appears to have an edge over Georgia’s Kirby Smart. Edmonds has visited Tuscaloosa multiple times and has expressed a strong connection with Alabama’s coaching staff.
Why Alabama Holds the Edge
Edmonds has been vocal about his admiration for Alabama’s program. He has visited the campus four or five times and feels at home there. Speaking on his experience, he stated, “Alabama is on top. All four are still very high on my list, but Alabama has the top spot. I have been there four or five times, and they make me feel most at home. The Alabama coaches treat me and my family good, and that always stands out.”
One of the biggest draws for Edmonds is the opportunity to play early. He sees a clear path to earning playing time in Alabama’s secondary, something that has weighed heavily in his decision-making process. Additionally, he has built a strong relationship with Alabama’s co-defensive coordinator, Maurice Linguist. Edmonds has spoken highly of Linguist, saying, “Coach Mo is who I talk to the most, and he is great. I have seen how involved in the drills he is. At practice, Coach Mo is sweating, working with his players, and he takes it personal.”
With such strong connections and clear opportunities within Alabama’s system, the Crimson Tide seem to be in an ideal position to secure his commitment. However, Georgia and Tennessee remain in the mix and are making strong efforts to flip the tide.
Georgia and Tennessee’s Push for Edmonds
Georgia remains a significant contender, largely due to its proximity to Edmonds’ home and its reputation for developing defensive backs. He has visited Athens five times and acknowledged the appeal of staying close to home while playing for a top-tier program. Speaking about Georgia, he stated, “It is close to home, it is a really good program, and they will play young players. Coach Donte Williams and I talk almost every other day, and he always wants me up in Athens. The coaches and the players make it fun to be there.”
Tennessee, though slightly behind in the race, still has a chance. Edmonds has only visited Knoxville once, but he has taken notice of the Vols’ aggressive recruiting approach. He has trained with some players committed to Tennessee and has expressed interest in making another visit. “I like how they coach. I train with some players that are going there, and I wanted to get back on campus. Tennessee has been playing well, and I like what they are doing,” he said.
The Impact of Edmonds’ Decision
Whoever lands Edmonds will be securing a versatile and athletic playmaker. He is currently ranked No. 140 overall in his class and is the No. 19 recruit in the state of Georgia. Beyond his skills as a cornerback, he also excels as a track and field athlete.
His junior year in 2024 showcased his growth as a player. Offensively, he recorded 32 receptions for 648 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 20.3 yards per catch. Defensively, he racked up 30 tackles and one tackle for loss. This marked a significant improvement from his sophomore season in 2023, where he managed just five catches for 101 yards but contributed 28 tackles and two interceptions.
With just days remaining until his decision, Alabama appears to be in the strongest position, but Georgia and Tennessee are still fighting hard. February 19 will ultimately reveal whether DeBoer can secure another top defensive back or if one of Alabama’s SEC rivals will pull off a late upset in this intense recruiting battle.