## Crimson Tide Recruiting Stumbles as Top Prospect Chooses Notre Dame

Alabama's quest for a dominant 2026 recruiting class hit a snag over the weekend. Despite boasting an impressive roster of commitments including five-star talents Jireh Edwards, Xavier Griffin, Cederian Morgan, and Jorden Edmonds, the Crimson Tide lost out on four-star defensive lineman Elijah Golden.

Golden, hailing from Sarasota, Florida, and attending Cardinal Mooney High School, opted for Notre Dame over Alabama, Oklahoma, and Virginia Tech. The 6-foot-3.5, 278-pound prospect ranks as the No. 19 overall recruit and top defensive lineman in Rivals' Industry Rankings for the 2026 class.

**Alabama's Defensive Line Efforts Continue**

With Golden's commitment to Notre Dame, Alabama's defensive line commitments currently stand at three-star prospect JJ Finch, and four-stars Kamhariyan Johnson and Nolan Wilson.


**DeBoer Praises Quarterback Performance in Fall Camp** 

Meanwhile, Head Coach Kalen DeBoer expressed satisfaction with the quarterbacks during Alabama's first scrimmage of fall camp.  He lauded their consistency, highlighting only three interceptions thrown throughout training camp and a completion percentage above 65% for each quarterback.  Ty Simpson ultimately secured the starting position, edging out former five-star prospect Keelon Russell and transfer Austin Mack from the Washington Huskies.

Simpson will have the benefit of connecting with one of college football's top receivers in sophomore Ryan Williams. SEC Network analyst Chris Doering has even declared Williams the best wide receiver in the SEC.  Williams shone as a true freshman last season, leading Alabama with 865 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.


**Crimson Tide Set to Face Florida State in Season Opener**

Alabama kicks off their 2023-24 season on August 30th at 3:30 p.m. ET against the Florida State Seminoles, airing live on ABC.  


## Crimson Tide Recruiting Stumbles as Top Prospect Chooses Notre Dame

Alabama's quest for a dominant 2026 recruiting class hit a snag over the weekend. Despit

Alabama Dealt Devastating Blow on Recruiting Trail on Sunday

## Notre Dame Lands Top Defensive Prospect Elijah Golden

**Florida Star Chooses Irish Over Alabama, Oklahoma and Virginia Tech**

Sarasota (Fla.) Cardinal Mooney standout Elijah Golden, a four-star defensive lineman, announced his commitment to Notre Dame on Saturday, choosing the Fighting Irish over finalists Alabama, Oklahoma and Virginia Tech. Ranked No. 19 nationally among defensive linemen by the Rivals Industry and No. 191 overall prospect, Golden stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 275 pounds. His decision makes him commit No. 27 for Notre Dame in the 2026 recruiting class, bolstering a group previously ranked No. 4 in the nation by Rivals Industry.

**Golden: "The People There Are Good People"**

Future position coach Al Washington led the recruitment effort for Golden, who cited the coaching staff and fan base as key factors in his decision.  “Mainly the coaching staff is good and they rocked with me for a long time, and the fanbase is crazy,” Golden said. “I’d definitely say the people, the people there are good people.” 

Golden believes Notre Dame provides the ideal environment for him to excel. "How they do things and their game plans and how they go into games," he explained.  

**Finding a Home in South Bend**

Golden emphasized his search for a program that felt like home. “And if my parents were to drop me off at the school right now I’d be able to fit in with the coaching staff and players and everybody.” He found that sense of belonging at Notre Dame. The Irish were the frontrunner from the moment they offered Golden a scholarship in the spring of 2024.

“The coaching staff stands out the most and their campus,” Golden said. “Their campus feels like home! They have a wonderful coaching staff.”


**Notre Dame Assembles Top-Tier Defensive Line**

Golden joins an impressive group of defensive talent at Notre Dame, including five-star edge Rodney Dunham Jr., prized defensive end Ebenezer Ewetade, and four-star defensive tackle Tiki Hola. This collection of prospects solidifies Notre Dame's position as a powerhouse on the recruiting trail for the 2026 class. 


## Notre Dame Lands Top Defensive Prospect Elijah Golden

**Florida Star Chooses Irish Over Alabama, Oklahoma and Virginia Tech**

Sarasota (Fla.) Cardinal Moon

#Notre dame fighting irish

Alabama Dealt Devastating Blow on Recruiting Trail on Sunday

Irish loading up on the defensive line: Notre Dame lands commitment from four-star Elijah Golden