"Kids still committing to that sinking ship?" Fans react to four-star CB Zyan Gibson's commitment to Alabama

Four-star cornerback Zyan Gibson committed to Alabama's 2026 class on Tuesday. The standout from Gadsden City High School in Alabama chose Kalen DeBoer's program over Auburn, Tennessee, LSU, Miami, Georgia, Texas A&M and Michigan.

Ahead of Gibson's commitment, Alabama had four committed players in the 2026 class, but all of them later backed off their pledges. Fans poked fun at Gibson for giving his pledge to a school, which couldn’t retain commits.

"Kids still committing to that sinking ship?" a fan wrote.

"I mean a nay sayer knows. We’ve been saying it lol we know the dynasty is over," one wrote.

"He’ll flip by July," one wrote.

"Until he comes to campus puts on the pads and practices this means nothing," one wrote.

Despite the criticism, Gibson’s commitment signals a renewed focus on in-state talent for Alabama, as the Crimson Tide had missed out on securing any of the top 10 players from Alabama in recent cycles.

Rivals rank Zyan Gibson as the No. 4 cornerback in the class, the No. 5 player in Alabama, and the No. 60 prospect overall. His choice offers Alabama fans cause to celebrate.

"Alabama fans have a lot to look forward to with Zyan Gibson joining the team. His versatility and talent are impressive," one wrote.

"Debo gets who he wants," one wrote.

At 5-foot-11 and 177 pounds, Gibson may not have the prototypical size of an elite cornerback, but he compensates with exceptional athleticism. A three-year starter at Gadsden City, he has shown his ability to excel on both sides of the ball.

In his junior season, Zyan Gibson was a key defensive leader, recording 37 tackles, while also contributing offensively with four receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns.

Why did Zyan Gibson commit to Alabama?

Despite back-to-back decommitments from Alabama's 2026 class, Zyan Gibson chose the Crimson Tide for his potential in the program.

"They're playing their young guys and the defense was moving around, getting stops and turnovers," Gibson told Rivals. "I can see myself playing in that style of defense."

Alabama defensive back coach and co-defensive coordinator Maurice Linguist was the lead recruiter for Gibson. Kalen DeBoer's coaching staff zeroed in on the in-state prospect by hosting him for a pair of game-day visits, including in Bryant-Denny for the 41-34 win over Georgia on Sep. 28 and again for the 28-14 win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl on Nov. 30.

“Meeting the new staff and stuff like that they’re really transparent with us and built a great relationship," Gibson’s father Michael told On3 following the Iron Bowl game. "Especially myself and the GM Courtney Morgan. He’s been really hands on with this process with Zyan and myself and Zyan’s mom."

Gibson's father played defensive line for the Ole Miss Rebels in the early 2000s. Gibson is also a former high school teammate of Alabama defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.