SEC College Becomes Surprising Contender for 5-Star QB Elijah Haven

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SEC College Becomes Surprising Contender for 5-Star QB Elijah Haven

Elijah Haven remains one of the most coveted quarterback prospects in the country, and the race for his signature is intensifying across the college football landscape.

The 6-foot-5 signal-caller out of Dunham School in Baton Rouge led Louisiana with 62 passing touchdowns last season and holds national honors, including MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year and Louisiana Mr. Football.

A five-star quarterback, Naven is ranked as the No. 27 overall recruit nationally and the No. 2 quarterback by the 247Sports Composite.

Per On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Haven just narrowed his recruitment to four finalists: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Auburn.

Haven has visited those programs unofficially during the 2025 season, with Alabama standing out after multiple visits. The coveted QB is scheduled to return to Tuscaloosa on January 31 for Junior Day.

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer answers questions from the media.Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Haven praised the Crimson Tide staff, including head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, citing their hospitality and vision from his visit in early December.

“Bama is definitely one that stands out,” Haven told Rivals on Dec. 11. “Coach (Kalen) DeBoer, Nick Sheridan, Coach (Ryan) Grubb … all the coaches there are so welcoming to my family and me. I’m so thankful for the gratitude they’ve shown my family and me on the visit. They’ve definitely been a school standing out to me.”

But while Alabama continues to be considered the favorite, another unexpected SEC program — not among Haven’s finalists — may be entering the picture.

On3’s Steve Wiltfong reported Monday that the Kentucky Wildcats have emerged as a “dark-horse” contender for Haven, citing growing internal optimism due to offensive coordinator Joe Sloan’s connection to the Baton Rouge native.

“Five-star quarterback Elijah Haven visits Alabama this weekend and is trending towards the Crimson Tide,” Wiltfong wrote. “Because of the relationship with Sloan, the thought around the Wildcats program is that they’re quickly becoming a dark-horse for the Baton Rouge (La.) Dunham School product.”

Kentucky head coach Will Stein might be aiming to land a top-tier quarterback this cycle following the transfer-portal addition of four-star Notre Dame transer Kenny Minchey.

For now, Alabama remains the projected leader, with On3’s experts giving the Crimson Tide a 78.6% chance of landing him.

Related: Jon Sumrall, Florida Receive Strong Message From 5-Star Recruit After Latest Visit

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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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