CFB fans left debating over 5-star WR Caleb Cunningham's commitment to Alabama

Five-star wide receiver Caleb Cunningham from Choctaw County High School announced his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide and coach Kalen DeBoer on Saturday. The Tide beat out programs like the Ole Miss Rebels, the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers for his commitment.

The athlete visited Tuscaloosa four times before making his decision after his latest visit in June. In an interview with On3 after his announcement, Cunningham detailed the reasons behind his choice.

“I just knew it man,” Caleb Cunningham said. “It was really in the middle of the visit. It just felt different. I had been there before, and Alabama was always high on my list, but I knew that was where I wanted to be. That is why I committed to Alabama.

“I just felt like I was hanging out with family. The visit was different for me. Being around the people, I just felt comfortable. It was an official visit, but it didn’t feel like an official visit. That feeling made an impact on me. The people made me feel at home and that pushed them to the top."

College football fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to the news under the post announcing his commitment following Nick Saban's retirement, with some fans being skeptical about the athlete's decision.

"He’ll flip before signing day," a user commented.

"Does he know that nick saban isn’t there anymore?" Another fan said.

Other users were in doubt of DeBoer's capability to recruit elite talent from the South.

"Nah this can’t be right Deboer can’t recruit the south," a fan said.

"If only Deboer could recruit the south," another user tweeted.

However, Caleb Cunningham's decision proved the naysayers wrong.

"Where’s that Auburn guy that said DeBoer couldn’t recruit in the south?" A fan commented.

"“he’s not gonna be able to recruit the south!”" Another fan sarcastically commented.

Some fans were full of praise for the recruitment nous shown by Kalen DeBoer in landing such a big commitment.

"Alabama upgraded with this staff and Kalen DeBoer. Argue with a wall," one fan tweeted.

"DEBOER IS COOKING," another fan chimed in.

Caleb Cunningham details relationships in Alabama decision

Caleb Cunningham is the No. 2 ranked wide receiver and No. 14 overall player in the country in the class of 2025 according to 247Sports and he chose the Alabama Crimson Tide over 26 other offers.

Speaking with On3's Chad Simmons, he detailed his relationship with the coaches at Alabama as a key reason for his decision:

“I love coach Shep (JaMarcus Shephard) and how he coaches. He pushes his guys, he develops his guys and I know he can make me better. Alabama is going nowhere under coach Kalen DeBoer. They are only going up. The new era at Alabama is going to be the same as it was under Nick Saban. They are going to get players and win championships."

DeBoer hit the ground running after being named Saban's successor in January and his efforts on the recruitment trail are starting to bear fruit after recruiting the No. 2 class in the country according to 247Sports.

Despite skepticism from a few college football fans, Caleb Cunningham seems supremely confident in his decision to join the Alabama Crimson Tide under coach DeBoer.