The Crimson Tide received some positive news on Tuesday regarding their recruitment efforts. Head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff have successfully assembled a strong recruiting class, with the Tide securing their 24th commitment just one day before Early Signing Day.
Today, Rivals’ Andrew Bone reported that three-star defensive lineman Malique Franklin committed to the Crimson Tide after receiving an offer from the program earlier this week, with his commitment coming after an official visit to Oklahoma this past weekend, where he watched the Sooners take down LSU 17-13.
Franklin is a 6-foot-5, 250-pound Edge from Daphne Alabama where he had an impressive senior season recording 93 tackles, nine sacks, one forced fumble, and one blocked punt, which was a huge factor in the Trojans’ 9-3 finish, which saw them finish in the second round of the 7A AHSAA playoffs before being taken down by Auburn 40-0.
Although he had an impressive senior year, Franklin is currently ranked as the No. 51 edge rusher, the No. 17 player from Alabama, and the No. 496 overall recruit in the 2026 class according to the 247 Sports Composite rankings.
Despite being only a three-star prospect, Franklin’s talent attracted the attention of three other SEC programs during his recruitment. Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma all offered scholarships to the No. 17 overall prospect from Alabama, according to Franklin’s 247 Sports profile.
With Franklin’s commitment, the Tide has secured pledges from two edge players in the 2026 class, with the other being three-star Kamhariyan Johnson, who, like Franklin, is also an in-state commit.
Alabama will enter Early Signing Day with the No. 2 recruiting class in the country and the best class in the SEC, according to 247 Sports.
