One of the last uncommitted five-stars in the 2026 cycle is closing in on a decision. The explosive 6-foot-3, 245-pound edge rusher has narrowed his finalists to Oregon, Texas A&M, and Alabama. All three are going all-in for the game-changing talent. Following that, a commitment could drop soon. So, the countdown is on as he eyes a decision before kicking off his senior season. But just when things were quieting down, the Texas A&M target has delivered a key update on his decision timeline.

On Monday at Mobile County Media Day, five-star edge rusher Anthony “Tank” Jones took center stage as St. Paul’s Episcopal standout gears up for a statement season. But it wasn’t just about high school ball. With his college decision looming, Jones gave a key update. “Either this week or next week,” he told Touchdown Alabama, signaling that a commitment is right around the corner. So, the finish line is in sight. But what’s driving this fast-tracked decision?

“It’s getting a little stressful now,” Jones told reporters at Mobile County High School Media Day last Monday. “A lot of people are coming out of nowhere and texting me. Commitment coming up soon, so I’ve just been day-by-day, grinding, keeping my head down, staying humble.” While the pressure is real, the spotlight is only getting brighter. Alabama may have the edge in the Rivals RPM, but this race isn’t over. According to a Monday update from Rivals’ Chad Simmons, Oregon and Texas A&M are still very much in play. Interestingly, through all the buzz, Anthony “Tank” Jones has stayed quiet, playing it close to the vest all spring and summer. But what if Alabama is able to land this elite edge talent?

Well, Alabama’s 2026 class is already loaded with star power, sitting on four five-star commitments. But if Anthony “Tank” Jones joins the fold, it would be their fifth—and perhaps the biggest yet. On top of that, his pledge would also give the Crimson Tide a clean sweep of the top four prospects in the state. They’ve already locked down Jackson RB EJ Crowell, Benjamin Russell WR CD Morgan, and Gadsden City DB Zyan Gibson. So, landing Jones would cement Alabama’s dominance on the recruiting trail. But what does Jones think about Alabama?

Earlier this month, while speaking with Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett, Jones didn’t hide who’s catching his attention. Alabama is making noise. “For me, they started off behind everyone because of the new staff,” admitted Jones. “But they’ve been very consistent with me, day by day. They aren’t pressuring me for a commitment, they’re very genuine and do a great job of that.” He’s also built strong ties with the coaches. “Love the coaching staff. I’ve known Kane Wommack since my freshman year. Being in that defense, the 4-2-5, would be great,” added Jones. So, it’s clear, Bama has made up serious ground. But don’t count out Oregon or Texas A&M just yet.

Both programs are firmly in the mix and waiting on one of the biggest decisions left in the 2026 cycle. Why not? Ranked No. 22 overall and the No. 4 edge rusher in the class by Rivals, Jones is a game-changer. He’s also the top-ranked player in the state of Alabama. So, wherever he lands, it’ll send shockwaves across the recruiting world. But do Oregon and Texas A&M still have a shot?

If not Alabama, where could Anthony Jones call home?

To truly understand where Anthony Jones stands in his recruitment, you’ve got to hear what he says about his finalists. Last Monday, he opened up—starting with Oregon. “NFL style with Coach [Dan] Lanning,” said Jones. “Coach [Tosh] Lupoi has been coaching edges for a while. I feel like that would be great for me to be developed by them.” And Texas A&M? He didn’t hold back and said, “Producing NFL defensive linemen. At A&M, you can just come off the edge and go eat.” So, Jones knows what he’s looking for. But if he picks Oregon, it would mark a major recruiting flex for the Ducks—again. Why?

Okay, for the second straight year, Dan Lanning’s crew would have walked into Alabama and snatched the state’s top talent. Remember, last cycle, it was Parker DB Na’eem Offord. This time, it could be Anthony Jones. And they’re not done. Here’s the thing: Oregon already holds a pledge from elite 2027 edge rusher Cameron Pritchett out of Thompson. So, the Ducks are flying high, and making serious noise in SEC territory. But what about Texas A&M’s chances?

To be honest, Texas A&M knows how to recruit in Alabama, because they’ve done it before. In the 2025 class, the Aggies landed Carver-Montgomery WR TK Norman. And let’s not forget 2024, when A&M held a commitment from the nation’s No. 1 recruit, Cam Coleman. Although he flipped to Auburn after Jimbo Fisher’s exit, but it proved the Aggies can pull elite talent from SEC country. So now, they’re hoping to strike again with Anthony Jones in their sights. Now it’s crunch time—who will close the deal and land the five-star prize?