ICYMI: 5-Star OT Commits to Alabama over Oklahoma, FSU and TCU; No. 2 Ranked OT
Five-star offensive tackle has committed to Alabama, as he confirmed to On3’s Hayes Fawcett. A member of the class of 2025, Haywood is ranked as the No. 2 offensive tackle and the No. 11 overall player in the nation by 247Sports’ composite rankings. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound lineman selected Alabama over Florida State, Oklahoma, and TCU.
He becomes the fourth five-star prospect in the 2025 class to commit to Alabama, joining quarterback Keelon Russell, wide receiver Caleb Cunningham, and cornerback Dijon Lee, according to 247Sports.
He also announced his commitment on X, stating that he would have committed sooner if not for Nick Saban’s retirement announcement in January, as he told On3’s Chad Simmons. Saban’s departure led Haywood to consider FSU and Oklahoma, but he ultimately chose Alabama after learning that Saban had a hand in recruiting new head coach Kalen DeBoer.
“What really sealed the deal for me was discovering that Nick Saban played a role in selecting coach DeBoer to succeed him at Alabama,” Haywood said, according to Simmons. “Watching and observing coach DeBoer was a great experience. He wasn’t micromanaging; he allowed the coaches to enjoy themselves with the players’ parents. Coach DeBoer seemed very humble and relaxed—a really chill guy.”
Haywood’s commitment is another significant recruiting win for DeBoer in the post-Saban era. Alabama’s strong recruiting efforts, including the addition of 10 recruits in June alone, have propelled the Crimson Tide to the top spot in the On3 team recruiting rankings, surpassing Ohio State, as noted by On3’s Hunter Shelton.
Initially a defensive lineman, Haywood transitioned to offensive tackle at Ryan High School in Denton, Texas. According to 247Sports scout Gabe Brooks, Haywood possesses “high-floor competency with long-term developmental upside due to his physical tools and functional athleticism,” projecting him as a future multi-year starter at a high-major program with potential as a coveted NFL Draft prospect.
I am 1000% COMMITTED to the University of Alabama.#RollTide pic.twitter.com/kdVzXkQREO
— 𝓣𝔂 𝓗𝓪𝔂𝔀𝓸𝓸𝓭 (@TyHaywood_) July 14, 2024
Before reaching that stage, Haywood could play a key role in helping Alabama maintain its status as a top program in college football as they enter the post-Saban era.