Bama Steals the Spotlight with Five-Star Linebacker Commitment from Georgia
Tuscaloosa, AL — July 2, 2025
In a stunning development that’s sending shockwaves across SEC recruiting circles, the Alabama Crimson Tide has landed a commitment from five-star linebacker Jamari “J-Mac” Holloway, a Georgia native and one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the 2026 class.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Holloway, hailing from powerhouse Buford High School just outside Atlanta, made his announcement via a nationally televised press conference, pulling out a crimson cap and declaring, “I’m going where legends are built — I’m rolling with the Tide.”
The commitment is being hailed as one of head coach Kalen DeBoer’s most significant recruiting wins since taking the reins in Tuscaloosa. Holloway had long been considered a near-lock for the Georgia Bulldogs, who had made him their top priority on defense for nearly two years. He also held offers from Ohio State, Clemson, and Texas, but Alabama’s persistence and vision won out in the end.
“This isn’t just about football,” Holloway told reporters. “It’s about development — on the field, in the classroom, and as a man. Alabama showed me that they don’t just build players — they build legacies.”
Holloway’s decision comes after a dominant junior season in which he racked up 122 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks, helping Buford reach the state semifinals. His sideline-to-sideline speed, football IQ, and raw explosiveness have drawn comparisons to former Bama greats like Reuben Foster and C.J. Mosley.
What truly set Alabama apart, sources close to the recruitment say, was DeBoer’s direct involvement and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s vision for Holloway as the centerpiece of the Tide’s future linebacker corps.
“They didn’t just want Jamari,” said Buford head coach Adrian Hunter. “They made it clear they were building their defensive identity around him. That’s powerful for a 17-year-old to hear.”
Georgia fans took to social media with disbelief, expressing everything from disappointment to frustration, as the Bulldogs rarely lose in-state five-star talent to a conference rival. But even Georgia’s coaching staff couldn’t deny the pull Alabama continues to have on elite recruits.
“This is a generational player,” ESPN recruiting analyst Carlos Bentham said. “Losing Holloway is a huge blow for Georgia, but it speaks volumes about Alabama’s ability to reload with top-tier talent. The SEC arms race just escalated.”
Holloway is expected to enroll early in January 2026, and sources close to the Alabama program believe he’ll compete for a starting role as a freshman — a rare feat in a defense known for its depth and complexity.
With this commitment, Alabama surges to No. 2 in the national 2026 recruiting rankings, closing the gap on perennial leader Ohio State and leapfrogging Georgia in the process.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Alabama’s dominance on the recruiting trail hasn’t wavered — and with Jamari Holloway in the fold, the Crimson Tide’s future at linebacker looks as fierce as ever.
