2026 class four-star OL Ben Nichols confirms receiving offer from Kalen DeBoer's Alabama

Four-star prospect Ben Nichols from Davison High School in Michigan is regarded both as an offensive and defensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class. He holds more than one dozen offers from college programs, and Alabama is the most recent program to offer him on Tuesday.

Securing an offer from coach Kalen DeBoer's Crimson Tide is a dream come true moment for any recruit, and Nichols is no exception. On Tuesday, he expressed his excitement on social media platform X, writing:

"#AGTG After a great conversation with @CoachCKap, I am Extremely Blessed to receive an Offer from The University of Alabama!! #RollTide @KalenDeBoer @TonyJones_810 @Charlie_Potter @RecruitsBama @logan__mooney @ClintRLamb @jerretmcelwain @DavCardFootball @TheD_Zone @LBC4L."

Alabama has four-star cornerback Dorian Barney committed to the 2026 class. Defensive back Jamarrion Gordon was also committed to the class, but he flipped his commitment from the Crimson Tide and joined UCF last month. The cycle still has 16 months remaining till next year's early signing date.

The Crimson Tide also remains a hot favorite to land commitments from several promising prospects, like running back Jonaz Walton, wide receiver Aaron Gregory, tight end Jude Cascone, running back Ja'Michael Jones and defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart.

Which programs are in the race for Ben Nichols' commitment

247Sports put Ben Nichols as the nation's No. 17 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 class and the No. 3 prospect in Michigan. On3 sees him as the No. 171 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 11 interior offensive lineman in the class and the No. 2 recruit in the state.

As a Michigan native, it’s no surprise that the Michigan State Spartans are leading the race for Nichols' commitment. The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gives the program a 33.8% chance of securing his pledge.

Michigan State offered Nichols a scholarship in June, and he visited the campus in late July. The Spartans' have not yet earned any commitment in the 2026 class.

Notre Dame is also a serious contender, with a 23.8% chance of landing Nichols. Coach Marcus Freeman's program has been aggressive in securing top-tier talents, and Nichols is definitely a good option. Ohio State, with a 10.4% chance, and Eastern Michigan, with a 4.6% chance, round out the primary contenders for his services.

Ben Nichols also earned offers from Purdue, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Penn State and Tennessee, among others.