Alabama football recruiting under Kalen DeBoer: 2024 updates, rankings, top players to watch from SEC insiders

After Nick Saban announced his retirement, the Alabama Crimson Tide swiftly conducted a coaching search that landed Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer as the next steward of one of the most successful programs in history. DeBoer just led Washington to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game and guided the Huskies to 25 wins in two seasons. The program landed inside the top 10 in the AP polls both years. However, DeBoer will be tested like never before when it comes to the Alabama football recruiting trail, with six SEC teams ranking inside the top nine of the 247Sports team recruiting rankings in the Class of 2024.

DeBoer has already hit the ground running and he’s trying to sell that his success at Washington will translate to being successful in Tuscaloosa. Being a winner could draw some of the nation’s top prospects to one of the most notable programs in college football and keep existing recruits like four-star receiver Rico Scott around. If you want to see the latest Alabama recruiting news, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at Bama247, the 247Sports affiliate that covers Alabama.

The team of insiders at Bama247 are providing on-the-ground updates on every development in the football coaching search, including insights from Matt Zenitz, John Talty and Mike Rodak, who have more than 25 years of experience covering the Crimson Tide. The trio has deep-rooted ties inside and around the Alabama community, and Talty wrote The Leadership Secrets of Nick Saban, a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller. And right now, Bama247 is offering 60% off annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up.

The team at Bama247 already has extensive coverage of Alabama’s recruiting efforts under Kalen DeBoer. Head to Bama247 now to see them all. Check out the site’s groundbreaking message board for the latest Alabama football recruiting news.

Kalen DeBoer Alabama recruiting updates

DeBoer picked up his first commitment at Alabama when Washington quarterback Austin Mack announced his decision to transfer to the Crimson Tide on Jan. 19. Originally a Class of 2024 recruit, Mack reclassified to 2023 to sign with DeBoer at Washington and backed up Michael Penix Jr. last season. When DeBoer was hired at Alabama, he put his name in the transfer portal and quickly enlisted with his old head coach. DeBoer praised Mack for learning the offense as quickly as any should-be high school senior he’s ever seen and raved about the arm talent that he brings with him to Tuscaloosa. Mack spoke to Bama247 about his decision to transfer, which you can read about here. 

One player that DeBoer’s staff is interested in is Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei Top247 four-star receiver Marcus Harris. The 2025 recruit holds offers from more than 25 programs, including big names like Georgia, Michigan and Texas. DeBoer and his former Washington staff offered Harris when they were with the Huskies, and he has already planned a visit to Tuscaloosa for Alabama’s Junior Day on Feb. 3. He burst onto the scene as a sophomore, catching 25 passes for 644 yards and 12 touchdowns to showcase his big-play ability. Harris added 43 receptions for 644 yards and six scores as a junior, and he is considered one of the top wide receivers in the 2025 class. He is the No. 20 receiver nationally and the No. 20 prospect in California, per 247Sports, and he is about to visit some of the top schools on his list. See his full visit plans at Bama247.

DeBoer is also targeting linebacker Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, who is the No. 1 prospect in Washington. Rainey-Sale is currently ranked as a four-star prospect and already has a great relationship with DeBoer and his staff. He was committed to Washington but he opened up his recruitment after DeBoer left for Alabama, who quickly offered the 6’2″, 220-pound linebacker.

Rainey-Sale played in just six games in his junior season, but he made a difference when he was on the field. Rainey-Sale racked up 65 total tackles, including 52 solo, and recorded six tackles for loss. He currently ranks No. 172 nationally in the 247Sports Composite rankings for the Class of ’25. Bama247 learned more about his decision and his updated recruiting timeline, which you can see here. 

Alabama has also started making moves out West under the new coaching staff. DeBoer spent time at Fresno State and Washington, so he has plenty of ties to that part of the country. His staff has already offered some of the best players on the West Coast, including Rainey-Sale. Another player DeBoer offered is Danville (Calif.) San Ramon Valley linebacker Marco Jones, who had already received an offer from Saban and attended a Washington game last year as the top recruit in Northern California. See the other top 2025 West-Coast recruit that DeBoer’s staff offered here. 

There are also plenty of updates like linebacker Quinton Reese commenting on his pending commitment and one tight end with a strong take about the new regime.

How to get Alabama 247Sports updates 

Alabama’s new coaching staff could grow with an exciting hire who could change the face of Alabama football recruiting. See who it is at Bama247.

Who are the top players that Alabama’s new coaching staff is targeting right now and which coach could have a major impact? Go to Bama247 to see all the latest Alabama recruiting news, all from a team of reporters with decades of experience covering the Crimson Tide, and find out. And reminder, Bama247 is offering 60% off an annual VIP membership, so subscribe now before it’s too late.

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