2026 four-star safety Lasiah Jackson made his feelings about Alabama clear after his recent visit to Tuscaloosa.
The talented defensive back took an unofficial trip to Alabama this past weekend and told On3 that he’s “definitely interested in them more now.”
“A place like Alabama is where the best of the best go,” Jackson said to On3. “That’s where iron sharpens iron. Coach Maurice Linguist, the defensive backs coach, feels really confident about me coming in next year and being able to compete with the other guys. I definitely plan on going back in the spring. Alabama is just different.”
For Alabama fans, these remarks are exactly what they want to hear from top recruits. It shows that head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff are making a strong impression, even coming off a 9-4 season that many viewed as a disappointment (though it was a solid first year for an SEC head coach).
Jackson, a 6-foot-3, 170-pound prospect from Leesburg, GA, is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 14 safety in the country and the No. 19 player in Georgia.
While Alabama is very much in the race for Jackson, the recruitment is far from decided.
Jackson shared with On3 that, despite his positive experience at Alabama, he’s still keeping his options open.
Florida State, Georgia Tech, and Michigan are among the other programs competing for the four-star defensive back.
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Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer issues clear message on Ty Simpson ahead of QB1 decision
The starting quarterback spot for Alabama football is still up for grabs, with Ty Simpson being the leading candidate to take over. However, blue-chip freshman Keelon Russell and Washington transfer Austin Mack are also vying for the position, with Mack having an edge due to head coach Kalen DeBoer’s trust in him.
DeBoer pointed to the “opportunity” awaiting Simpson during his spring practices, highlighting the work Simpson has done to prepare.
“You certainly appreciate what he’s done,” DeBoer said of Simpson Tuesday, according to The Tuscaloosa News. “Just continued to work on what he can control, and that’s himself. Continued to build relationships to get ready for this chance that he has right in front of him to not just step up as a leader, because I think he’s been doing that. But to have that opportunity to step in and be the quarterback.”
Despite this, DeBoer wasn’t ready to make any definitive statements just yet. The head coach also praised the talent in the quarterback room, with Russell and Mack ready to challenge Simpson.
“There are some very strong strengths that we have and I’m excited about them. Being similar in a lot of ways, of course, everybody’s different. They got things that they bring to the table,” DeBoer said. “But all three just work together, and it’s really led to workouts already that they are running. Sounds like they are very efficient and got a lot of work done. I’m excited for what they all bring to the table.”
The 2025 season is expected to be a crucial one for DeBoer’s Alabama team, and the quarterback decision will play a significant role in determining if those expectations are met. Whether it’s Simpson or another player, DeBoer is keenly aware of the weight this decision carries.
