BREAKING: Alabama lands Early Christmas present with commitment from 5-star in-state CB

Alabama received an early holiday gift with the commitment of four-star cornerback Zyan Gibson to its 2026 recruiting class.

This commitment is particularly significant for head coach Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide, as it comes shortly after the program lost its previous 2026 commit, defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland, earlier in December. Like Cleveland, who hails from Birmingham, Gibson is a high-profile in-state talent from Gadsden.

Gibson made his decision public during a Christmas Eve livestream, celebrating with Alabama-themed balloons and donning a Crimson Tide hat as friends and family cheered in the background.

The cornerback had offers from over 15 Division I programs and ultimately chose Alabama over Auburn, Tennessee, and Miami. Ranked as the No. 7 player in Alabama and the No. 7 cornerback nationally by the 247Sports Composite, Gibson adds another impressive prospect to the Crimson Tide’s pipeline.

A versatile athlete, Gibson has showcased his skills on both sides of the ball during his high school career. As a sophomore in 2023, the 5-foot-11, 177-pound player recorded 17 tackles, one tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery in just seven games. He also made an impact offensively this season with four receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns in eight games.

Gibson is expected to bolster Alabama’s secondary in the fall of 2026, with the potential to contribute as a wide receiver as well.