Alabama football just won big in the 2026 recruiting class. Given the transient nature of college football recruiting, the fight for a player lasts until Signing Day. We never know who’s going to flip to whom, and Alabama was close to losing one major commit. A lot of programs jumped back in the race for a key Tide prospect, who kept his options open even after siding with Alabama. But now, Kalen DeBoer and the Tide front office can take a breather.

4-star DE Jamarion Matthews committed to Alabama in February. But even after pledging to a CFB blueblood, which also happens to be his native college, Matthew did not shut down his recruitment. Turns out, Tide fans need not worry about his loyalty. Matthews took to X to declare that Alabama will remain his CFB home. “I’ve decided to shut my recruitment down and stay home!! #RollTide,” he said, sharing a photo of himself against a slew of Alabama memorabilia. “Roll Tide sir! Cant wait to have you,” wrote a passionate fan.

Matthews comes with 126 tackles, 31.5 sacks, and 3 fumble recoveries produced in a prep career spanning 3 years. He took visits to Tennessee, Auburn, and Florida State. FSU, in particular, seemed to make an impression on him. But Matthews has finally made up his mind and is taking himself off the market. He will now feature as part of Alabama’s roster from 2026, much to the dismay of the other programs who were vying for him.

His last visit to FSU was just a little over two weeks ago, and it looked like Mike Norvell would soon hear from Jamarion Matthews. When he visited Tallahassee in January, before announcing his Alabama pledge, he said, “I could see myself playing there, but they really have to show me am I wanted in their program.” After his most recent visit, Florida State Sports asked him if that had happened. “Yes, sir,” he replied. Unfortunately, Mike Norvell will have to bid farewell to his almost-successful flip.

Alabama always spoke to Matthews, his high school coaches say. The legacy of the program resonated deep within him, and the fact that the college was within his reach was just icing on the cake for him.

Alabama was always on Jamarion Matthews’ mind

“I think what he loved most about Alabama was (that) it’s Alabama,” his high school DC James Livingston told The Tuscaloosa News. “That’s the standard of college football. So when you get an opportunity to play at Alabama, that means something, right?” Matthews could have backed out of his commitment as he looked at other schools. Oregon’s Richard Wesley, for example, decommitted from the program soon after he announced his pledge. But the DE kept the Tide in consideration until the very end. After all, it’s Alabama.

“First of all, they’re getting a guy that’s a leader. They’re getting an alpha,” said Josh Niblett, his Gainesville coach. He will play his last season here before moving back home to Alabama for college. His coaches from there continue to rave about him. When asked about Matthews’ strengths, Livingston said, “Getting to the quarterback and sacking him.” And he has 31.5 sacks to justify that claim. “He runs like 4.8 40. I mean, that’s moving for a defensive end. A lot of times, he can get off the line before that offensive tackle has a chance to get on him,” Livingston added.

Even though Matthews himself was looking at other options, he was still helping the Tide win over other recruits. His efforts are helping Alabama land 5-star LB Xavier Griffin, who also happens to be from Gainesville. Griffin was previously committed to USC, but backed out in May this year. On3‘s Steve Wiltfong revealed that there are high chances of Griffin taking Alabama’s name on June 29, when he announced his final commitment.

Alabama’s defense just earned some major potential in Jamarion Matthews, who is now officially confirming his choice. It was always going to be Roll Tide for him after all, despite giving all other programs some hope.