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Four-star cornerback Zyan Gibson committed to Alabama's 2026 class over his other finalists in Auburn, Miami and Tennessee on Christmas Eve. The standout attends Gadsden City High School in Alabama and has been an avid Crimson Tide fan for years.
Gibson shared some snaps of his journey from being an Alabama fan to a 2026 class commit, writing:
"God is good!!! 🙌🏽 From my first game at Bama to having an opportunity to play at Bama! Grateful and blessed! Grind season!!! 💪🏽."
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Gibson’s commitment follows an extensive recruitment process, including multiple visits to Tuscaloosa this year. His initial trip in March included a meeting with the Alabama coaching staff, where he received his offer from Kalen DeBoer. He was in Bryant-Denny Stadium for Alabama's 41-34 win over Georgia on Sept. 28 and the 34-0 win against Missouri on Oct. 26. General manager Maurice Linguist played a key role as Gibson’s lead recruiter.
Despite being the lone commitment in Alabama’s 2026 class, Gibson’s pledge marks great momentum for the program’s future recruiting efforts. Alabama previously had four committed players in this cycle, all of whom decommitted. The school will now look to build around Gibson while pursuing other top targets.
Zyan Gibson's father opens up about his affinity for Alabama
Growing up a diehard Alabama fan, Zyan Gibson’s room has long been adorned with Crimson Tide memorabilia. After seeing Alabama dominate for years under Nick Saban to become the only pledge of new coach Kalen DeBoer at Alabama's 2026 class, the journey has been exciting.
Gibson’s dad Michael credited the Alabama staff for making the decision an easy one, saying (via Touchdown Alabama):
"He grew up an Alabama fan, and the new staff they have with Coach DeBoer, we just built a great relationship with, GM Courtney Morgan also Coach Mo, (Maurice Linguist) the cornerback coach.”
Director of Recruiting Jatavis Sanders played a big part in the recruitment as well.
"They just welcomed us with open arms…He fell in love with it, and he also loved they are playing freshman.”
The On3 Industry Rankings place Zyan Gibson as the No. 9 cornerback in the 2026 class, the No. 4 player in Alabama and the No. 69 prospect overall.
