"We're going to be loaded on offense and defense": 5-star recruit Caleb Cunningham shares his expectations for Alabama

Five-star wide receiver Caleb Cunningham committed to Alabama's 2025 recruiting class on Saturday, choosing the Crimson Tide over Auburn, Florida and Tennessee among others. He announced the decision on Sunday, becoming the second wide receiver commitment in the class following Lotzeir Brooks.

Cunningham revealed to BamaOnLine that he had been mentally committed to Alabama since June 22, despite only announcing his decision this week.

“Bama is Bama,” Cunningham told On3. “It feels really good. At my position, it’s good to go to that school to get developed so I can get to the league. Bama is the school to do it.”

Caleb Cunningham is highly regarded in the 2025 class, ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver and the No. 14 overall player in the nation, as well as the top player in Mississippi, according to On3. 247Sports ranks him as the No. 3 wide receiver, the No. 22 overall player, and the No. 1 player in Mississippi.

Cunningham's commitment provides a significant boost to Alabama, but he is already looking to strengthen the class further. He has expressed his intention to recruit other top talents, with Akylin Dear at the top of his wish list.

“Oh for sure, I’ve got to recruit him. We’re going to be loaded on offense and defense. We’ve got some dudes on the team."

Besides Dear, Cunningham successfully helped bring five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood on board, who committed to Alabama on the same weekend. With Haywood's addition, Alabama's 2025 class now holds the top spot in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Cunningham's recruiting efforts don't stop there, as he also aims to bring in other promising players such as Derek Meadows and Kaliq Lockett.

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Caleb Cunningham labels Alabama WR coach JaMarcus Shephard the No. 1 receiver coach

Last year, Alabama successfully transitioned Caleb Odom from tight end to wide receiver. The Crimson Tide continues the trend of developing elite receivers for the professional level and wide receiver coach JaMarcus Shephard has already sensed the potential in Caleb Cunningham.

Cunningham has received more than two dozen offers and did not have Alabama as a final program on his list. But a meeting with Shephard changed his perspective, and he even boldly labeled Shephard as the best WR coach.

“I like how he develops day-by-day. He’s the No. 1 receiver coach in college football. He’s one of the best coaches. Has always had great energy… I just know how he can develop receivers and how he coaches them,” Cunningham said (per NBC Sports).

Caleb Cunningham recorded 48 passes for 1,138 yards and 14 touchdowns during his junior season. He also earned the accolade of All-Area High School Basketball Player of the Year from the Starkville Daily News.