Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer knows not every day is going to be a recruiting blockbuster. Yet on Monday, DeBoer probably felt like he had fate on his side as Alabama landed four back-to-back commitments for its 2026 class.
As for Crimson Tide fans, they might feel a little disappointed that these four were not five-star prospects. Still, it’s worth noting that safety Rihyael Kelley’s decommitment from Rutgers marked Alabama’s third flip of the day. Kelley chose the Crimson Tide over the Scarlet Knights.
Rihyael Kelley Switches Commitment to Alabama in Major Recruiting Shock
Nobody saw Kelley’s flip coming so quickly. It’s worth mentioning that Kelley’s commitment adds even more excitement to Alabama’s fast-growing 2026 recruiting class.
Two other players also flipped their commitments to Alabama earlier on Monday. The day began on a disappointing note when elite wide receiver Malik Brooks chose Georgia over Alabama despite a strong push from the Crimson Tide.
Hours later, four-star running back Javari Barnett flipped from Illinois, becoming Alabama’s first RB commitment for the 2026 class. Then, four-star cornerback Zyan Gibson reaffirmed his commitment, shutting down rumors that he might flip. Before Kelley’s flip became official, Mill South quarterback Jett Thomalla also announced his switch to Alabama from Iowa State.
Kelley is a 6’3″, 180-pound safety from Winton Woods High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He originally committed to Rutgers on June 8. It took only two weeks for Alabama to win him over.
BREAKING: Class of 2026 Safety Rihyael Kelley has Flipped from Rutgers to Alabama, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’3 185 S from Cincinnati, OH had been Committed to the Scarlet Knights since June 8th
“Nun but the Tidee… thank you ma #LANK”https://t.co/2jaGdtxCwI pic.twitter.com/dBCLt1YLWe
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 23, 2025
During that 14-day span, Alabama extended an offer, hosted him for an official visit, and then Kelley announced his commitment on Monday through On3’s Hayes Fawcett.
After committing, Kelley also shared some lighthearted Alabama football jokes online, including, “Nothin’ but the Tide… thank you ma #LANK.” Kelley sounds excited after joining DeBoer’s 2026 class.
Kelley is ranked as the No. 84 safety in the country and the No. 40 overall player in Ohio, according to the 247Sports Composite. Last season, he led his high school to a 10–2 record, recording 23 tackles and two interceptions.
Rutgers suffered a major blow in losing Kelley. Now, the Crimson Tide’s aggressive recruiting push continues.
