These five-star freshmen will play for Alabama football defense in 2026
Here's where two five-star freshmen will fit in Alabama football's 2026 defense.
Alabama football's defense will feature five-star freshmen in 2026, according to head coach Vance Wommack. Six freshmen from the past two seasons have already played at least 100 snaps, led by Zabien Brown and Dijon Lee Jr. In 2026, Wommack expects linebacker Xavier Griffin and defensive back Jireh Edwards to make significant contributions.
Griffin, a five-star recruit, has already showcased his abilities as a senior at Gainesville High School, recording 78 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, and four sacks. Edwards, a 6-foot-2, 218-pound safety, is described as one of the most instinctive playmakers Wommack has seen. He has 92 tackles, 17 tackles-for-loss, six pass breakups, and three forced fumbles as a junior at Saint Frances Academy in Maryland.
Wommack acknowledges Edwards will need to put everything together early in the season, but he is confident Edwards will play for Alabama defense.
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