Zyan Gibson, a top-100 cornerback from Gadsden, Alabama, ranks as the second-highest player in Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class, currently holding the 46th spot nationally per 247Sports Composite. Despite the class having only six commits by mid-June, Gibson’s talent makes him a critical retention target for the Crimson Tide. While he remains committed to Alabama through the official visit season, his recent trip to Knoxville raised concerns among fans. He told GoVols247’s Ryan Callahan, “Every time I come up, they show love. It never changed from Day One.”
Tennessee is making a strong push to flip Zyan Gibson following his recent Knoxville visit, his eighth trip to the Volunteers since their offer in October 2023, per 247Sports. Despite Gibson’s commitment to Alabama since December 2024, he has kept his recruitment open, giving Tennessee an opportunity to lure him away from Kalen DeBoer’s 2026 class.
With many of Alabama’s top 2026 targets set to announce commitments in late June or early July, positive recruiting news could be imminent. However, Alabama’s fanbase is growing restless with only six commits and a class ranked outside the top 50 this spring. Losing Gibson to an SEC rival like Tennessee or Ole Miss, where he also visited officially, would heighten concerns about DeBoer’s recruiting prowess in his second year.
DeBoer quieted doubters by securing the No. 3 class nationally in 2025, led by five-star quarterback Keelon Russell. Yet, at a program accustomed to frequent national championships, expectations remain sky-high. Failure to build another elite class could intensify pressure on DeBoer to reach the College Football Playoff, where stakes are already immense.
While Alabama boasts strong cornerback depth, Gibson’s status as a four-star commit makes his wavering loyalty notable. In a post-Nick Saban 2025, such comments from a key recruit carry added weight, stirring unease among the Crimson Tide faithful.
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