Alabama Football in Final Four for 6-Foot-7 Hawaiian Phenom Malakai Lee: Crimson Tide Battles National Powerhouses for Elite 4-Star Offensive Line Recruit
The Alabama Crimson Tide continues to assert its dominance on the national recruiting scene, this time setting its sights on one of the most physically imposing and athletically gifted prospects in the 2026 class: Malakai Lee. The 6-foot-7, 318-pound offensive tackle out of Kamehameha High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, recently named Alabama as one of his final four choices, alongside fellow college football powerhouses Georgia, Michigan, and Texas.
Lee’s inclusion of Alabama among his top schools marks a significant development in the Tide’s pursuit of elite offensive line talent. Rated a 4-star prospect by major recruiting services, Lee has gained national attention for his rare blend of size, strength, footwork, and football IQ. His performance on the field has been nothing short of dominant, with scouts praising his quick first step, aggressive punch, and ability to control defenders at the point of attack.
What makes Lee especially unique is his ability to combine his size with surprising agility. Whether he’s protecting the blindside in pass sets or pulling to seal off lanes in the run game, Lee plays with the polish and power of a collegiate-ready athlete. His versatility and physical traits make him a top priority for programs that emphasize trench dominance—and Alabama fits that bill perfectly.
Under the guidance of new offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, Alabama has made a clear statement that it intends to keep reloading its trenches with high-end talent. Kapilovic, known for his work in developing NFL-ready linemen, has played a central role in recruiting Lee. The Tide’s staff has built a strong relationship with the Hawaii native, making him feel valued and emphasizing Alabama’s proven track record in developing linemen for the next level.
Lee is expected to take an official visit to Tuscaloosa on May 30, where he’ll tour the facilities, meet with coaches, and experience the culture of the Crimson Tide program firsthand. This visit could be pivotal, as Alabama aims to separate itself from the other finalists. The Tide’s emphasis on player development, academic support, and national exposure is expected to resonate with Lee and his family.
Aside from Alabama, Lee has visits planned to Texas and Michigan, with both programs pushing hard to secure his commitment. Georgia, always a major competitor in the offensive line recruiting landscape, remains firmly in the mix as well. Each of these schools offers a compelling case, but Alabama’s national pedigree, NFL pipeline, and consistent playoff contention stand out.
Should Alabama secure a commitment from Lee, it would be a massive win—not just from a talent perspective, but from a geographic one as well. Recruiting elite players from Hawaii requires trust, effort, and a convincing pitch that few programs can deliver. If the Tide can bring Lee to Tuscaloosa, it would once again show that Alabama’s recruiting reach truly knows no bounds.
As Malakai Lee’s recruitment nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on his upcoming visits and ultimate decision. For Alabama, landing the towering Hawaiian tackle could anchor another elite class and fortify the offensive line for years to come.
