Even after locking a 1-star and four 4-star talents for the 2026 recruiting class, Kalen DeBoer is not done. Brandon Arrington, a 5-star cornerback, is set to announce his commitment on July 5 next month. While Arrington remains a top target for Alabama, Dann Lanning’s Oregon Ducks are also eyeing the nation’s No. 1 cornerback. And even Steve Wiltfong of On3 also reported that the “Ducks are in the thick of it to sign the Loganville-Grayson five-star.” However, things are not the same anymore.

Arrington—No. 10 in the nation per 247, top-ranked athlete in the class—just wrapped up his official visit to Alabama. And let’s just say he was not exactly playing coy when asked how his visit went: “Alabama is one of my top schools because I believe I can get developed there and can have a big role in the defense early… After this visit, I would say Alabama is one of the schools that is going to be hard not to pick.” If you’re Kalen DeBoer, that’s the exact type of quote that tells you your pitch worked.

And while Oregon, Penn State, and USC are still squarely in the hunt, even Mike Elko’s Texas A&M is making a late push for the No.2 player in California. But safe to say, Alabama may have just taken a late lead in this heavyweight race.

Arrington is more than just another highly ranked prospect. This is a rare, two-way talent with game-breaking speed who could be a threat on either side of the ball. During his junior season, he clocked a 10.21 in the 100-meter dash, recorded 31 catches for over 500 yards and five touchdowns, and still found time to rack up 26 tackles and an interception on defense. He’s not just a cornerback or a wideout—he’s an all-purpose game changer. And now, the Alabama Crimson Tide are right in the thick of it.

What makes Alabama’s pitch so unique is not just the history or the championships—it’s the recent track record of playing freshmen. Arrington wants to play right away, and he made that clear throughout his recruitment. And it’s hard to argue against Alabama’s recent trends. Zabien Brown started from day one last season. Domani Jackson transferred in and is expected to start. Dijon Lee and Chuck McDonald, two elite California defensive backs from the 2025 class, are already on campus. That matters to Arrington.

Brandon Arrington sends love to Cali-born Bama boys: “I spent a lot of time with my Cali guys on this visit. They made it feel like home. They love it at Alabama and they want me to be there with them. All of them kept it real and told me what it was like there and how I could do well.”

Alabama’s defensive staff—especially defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and DB coach Maurice Linguist—also spent significant time with Arrington during his visit. “My biggest highlights were talking to coach DeBoer and talking with the defensive coordinator about the plan of my career,” he added. “Having one-on-one time with Coach Mo was great too. I spent the most time with the whole defensive coaching staff and it was great.”

Arrington left Tuscaloosa genuinely impressed and possibly leaning toward the Tide. His decision is expected by July 5, and if Alabama continues trending, they could land another cornerstone piece in their 2026 class.

Alabama’s Cali plug might just be the secret sauce for Brandon Arrington

There’s a clear pattern developing in Tuscaloosa—and it has a California zip code written all over it. Since Nick Saban’s retirement, Kalen DeBoer and his staff have quietly turned Alabama into a West Coast DB haven. And if Brandon Arrington’s recruitment swings Alabama’s way, this might just become a full-on California pipeline.

It started last season when Zabien Brown—fresh off a standout prep career in California—earned a starting cornerback role as a true freshman. Then came Domani Jackson, another highly rated California prospect, who transferred in and is expected to play a major role. Dijon Lee and Chuck McDonald, two more top-tier West Coast defenders, joined the 2025 class. That’s four highly touted California defensive backs, all with real paths to playing time. And now, Alabama is pushing to make Arrington the fifth.

The appeal is obvious. These aren’t just guys sitting on the depth chart. They’re contributing. They’re starting. Alabama isn’t just saying “we’ll play freshmen” to sound progressive—they’re doing it. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s willingness to rotate players and give younger athletes meaningful snaps has become a real selling point. Under Nick Saban, rotations were tighter. Now? The door is wide open.

Arrington also sees how familiar it all feels. Surrounded by fellow Californians who understand his background and already thrive in the system, it’s not just a culture fit—it’s a comfort zone. That might be the biggest edge Alabama has over other contenders. 

It also helps that Alabama’s 2026 defensive back class is shaping up to be special. The Tide already holds a commitment from Jorden Edmonds, the No. 2 CB in the country, and another Top-100 talent in Zyan Gibson. If Arrington joins, he could headline a secondary that might go down as one of the best recruiting hauls in recent memory. Steve Wiltfong has also projected Alabama to land 5-star safety Jireh Edwards, and they’re still firmly in the mix for elite safety Jett Washington.

Now, will Alabama land all of them? Probably not. Recruiting rarely plays out that clean. But the idea that they’re even in serious contention for all 4 shows just how far this staff has come in the post-Saban era. And the Arrington visit may have been a major step toward another big-time commitment.