WELCOME TO ALABAMA: Nation’s No. 1 America player Commits to Alabama over Penn State and Tennessee

In a significant boost to Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class, Akylin Dear, the nation’s top-ranked running back, has committed to the Crimson Tide, choosing them over Penn State and Tennessee. Dear, a standout from Quitman High School in Mississippi, had previously been committed to Ole Miss but reopened his recruitment in June 2024 after an official visit to Tuscaloosa.  

 

Dear’s decision was influenced by his connection with Alabama’s coaching staff, particularly running backs coach Robert Gillespie and head coach Kalen DeBoer. “I feel like I would fit in from a football standpoint in Alabama because I have the heart of a champion, and that is Alabama’s mindset,” Dear stated.

 

With Dear’s commitment, Alabama continues to solidify its reputation for attracting top-tier talent, enhancing its offensive lineup for the upcoming seasons.