Kalen DeBoer, Alabama Dealt Bad News Amid College Football Season

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Kalen DeBoer, Alabama Dealt Bad News Amid College Football Season

Kalen DeBoer is leading the Alabama Crimson Tide into another matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC title game.

Two of the best teams in the SEC are set to battle for the second time this season after Alabama defeated Georgia, having an edge over the Bulldogs in the conference standings earlier this season.

While many eyes are on the matchup between Alabama and Georgia on conference title weekend, featuring two of the best coaches in the country, with Kirby Smart leading the Bulldogs, there was a quick recruiting pause that hit the college football landscape.

On Wednesday, many top players in the 2026 recruiting class signed their letter of intent (LOI) after pledging to various schools across the country.

One player in particular who was committed to Alabama retracted his pledge.

Class of 2026 wide receiver Owen Cabell flipped his commitment from Alabama to Vanderbilt after being committed to the Crimson Tide since June.

Owen Cabell is listed as a four-star prospect, ranked as the No. 87 wide receiver and No. 630 overall player in the nation, per 247Sports.

While Cabell has committed to Vanderbilt, he also received offers from Illinois, Boston College, Duke, Georgia, Arkansas and Tennessee.

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer. Melina Myers-Imagn Images

While it’s a tough blow for Kalen DeBoer, who’s looking to attract the top skill players for the Alabama Crimson Tide, the focus quickly shifts toward the SEC title game.

Alabama stands at 10-2 heading into the matchup against Georgia, with a head-to-head edge over the Bulldogs, who are 11-1 on the season.

Related: Kalen DeBoer, Alabama Dealt Unfortunate Coaching News Amid College Football Season

Related: Ole Miss Coach Makes Unexpected Decision After Lane Kiffin’s Departure

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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