Alabama football continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail, and the Crimson Tide just received another boost from one of their top 2026 commitments. Late Tuesday night, 4-star defensive lineman Kamhariyan Johnson made a major announcement on social media: his recruitment is officially shut down. The Muscle Shoals native reaffirmed his commitment to Alabama, cancelling scheduled official visits with both Ole Miss and Miami.
This news comes as Alabama, under head coach Kalen DeBoer, is seeing increased success on the recruiting front. Johnson, who originally committed to the Tide in April following an unofficial visit during A-Day weekend, returned to Tuscaloosa this past weekend for his official visit. Evidently, that trip was enough to seal his decision.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 262 pounds, Johnson is considered a consensus 4-star prospect, currently ranked No. 356 overall in the 247Sports composite rankings. While that may seem modest, many who have seen his film argue he’s one of the most underrated players in the 2026 class. His junior season highlight tape on Hudl shows a quick-twitch athlete with a relentless motor, capable of disrupting plays in the backfield. His agility and strength make him a nightmare for offensive linemen.
Though he’s currently listed as an edge rusher, Johnson projects as a versatile defensive lineman at the college level. He’ll likely begin his Alabama career at the Bandit position, a hybrid edge defender in the Tide’s defensive scheme. However, if he continues to add mass and grow into his frame, there’s a strong possibility he transitions to an interior defensive line role. With his combination of power, quickness, and instinct, Johnson has the potential to be a game-changer on the defensive front.
Alabama now has six commitments for its 2026 class, with Johnson being one of two in-state pledges. DeBoer and defensive line coach Freddie Roach have emphasized recruiting in-state talent more heavily in this cycle, and Johnson’s decision to fully commit only strengthens that effort. Landing a player of his caliber — and getting him to cancel future visits — sends a strong message about Alabama’s recruiting momentum.
As summer visits heat up and more top prospects make decisions, Johnson’s reaffirmed pledge is an early win for the Tide’s 2026 class. If his trajectory continues, Alabama may have landed one of the biggest steals of the cycle and a future cornerstone of its defensive line.
