Kalen DeBoer could deliver two crucial blows to LSU as Tide host elite QB recruit from Baton Rouge

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The Alabama Crimson Tide is saying all of the right things to the public, but their matchup with the LSU Tigers is about more than just winning on Saturday. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack can claim he’s afraid of the LSU offense, but there’s little reason to be. The same can be said for Kalen DeBoer’s feelings on Harold Perkins.

The reality is that Alabama should take care of business this week and stay in the SEC title game race. They need to improve some things, like their running attack and deep ball efficiency, but the Tide are close to an elite team in this college football landscape. DeBoer could put them in an even better spot this weekend.

Alabama is hosting several high-end recruits, including Baton Rouge native and elite quarterback prospect Elijah Haven. Here’s the latest on this recruiting weekend.

Alabama to host elite recruits in home rivalry game vs. LSU

Alabama is gearing up for a pivotal weekend, both on the field and off, as No. 4 Crimson Tide prepares to host LSU in a high-stakes SEC clash Saturday night. But the action won’t be limited to Bryant-Denny Stadium—DeBoer and his staff have orchestrated a major recruiting push that could pay dividends for years to come.

The program is set to welcome a large group of committed prospects from the 2026 and 2027 classes, along with several high-profile targets who could eventually help Alabama win future rivalry games like this one.

Among the notable visitors is Samson Gash, a Rivals300 wide receiver from Detroit Catholic Central. Though currently committed to Michigan State, Gash has had this trip to Tuscaloosa circled for months and is already envisioning himself in crimson and white.

“Just the history at Alabama and what it means to play at a school like that,” Gash said. “And just the past receivers that were great there. Coach DeBoer is a great coach and has won everywhere he has been and everyone has confidence that he will get it done.”

Alabama is hoping to make a strong impression on Gash as it continues to build a 2026 class that currently ranks sixth nationally.

Another major visitor is Elijah Haven, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2027 Rivals Industry rankings. The five-star dual-threat from Baton Rouge’s Dunham School will be making his second trip to Tuscaloosa this fall.

Following his last visit, Haven’s interest in Alabama has surged.

“We had a great visit!” said his father, Kwame, after the Tide’s win over Tennessee. “We were able to get to Tuscaloosa on Friday and tour the campus and spend more time with the coaches outside of game day. This extra time made it our best trip to Alabama thus far.

“Alabama is the standard in college football; they call it Title Town for a reason. Elijah would be very fortunate to play at a program like that for coaches as good as the guys on staff there. Elijah’s goal is to play in the NFL—there is no bigger stage than Alabama to get him ready to play on Sundays.”

The weekend’s visitor list doesn’t stop there. Several elite 2027 prospects are expected to be on campus, including Zyron Forstall, the nation’s top-ranked edge rusher, tight end Ahmad Hudson, and offensive linemen Maxwell Hiller and Albert Simien.

Forstall has long had this game on his calendar, with LSU, USC, and Texas A&M among his top schools. Miami has also entered the mix recently. Meanwhile, Hiller has drawn early interest from South Carolina and Penn State, both of which were considered frontrunners heading into the season.

With a packed stadium, a marquee matchup, and a loaded recruiting slate, Alabama has a chance to score big on multiple fronts this weekend.

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This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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