CFB insider reveals Kalen DeBoer making massive move to secure highly coveted 2026 class recruit

Kalen DeBoer took over the Alabama Crimson Tide as Nick Saban's replacement. Despite high expectations, he didn't have the debut he hoped for in Tuscaloosa, mustering an underwhelming 9-4 campaign and losing the ReliaQuest Bowl showdown against the Michigan Wolverines.

Amidst his preparations for his second year, DeBoer is also making moves to strengthen the Crimson Tide's 2026 recruiting class. According to On3's Andrew Bone, the program is targeting highly coveted 2026 recruit Jett Washington.

On Sunday's episode of The Inside Scoop, Bone said that Alabama and Oregon are the top two teams to potentially land Washington's commitment. He also talked about the safety's official visit to Kalen DeBoer's team this past weekend.

"I think it's tight," Bone said. "We've talked about it for several months. And it looks like it's an Alabama-Oregon battle now. There's some other schools that are still in it. ... But it still seems like it's a Alabama-Oregon type race.

"He's in Tuscaloosa right now. Came in a little late. Arrived on Saturday morning. So he's going to spend all day Sunday. And he is really the only visitor that's still on campus and then get a lot of one on one time with the coaching staff."

In April, Jett Washington visited the Crimson Tide during their A-Day spring game. During an interview with 247Sports, he said that he had a good time in Tuscaloosa and that Alabama is one of his top commitment targets.

"The Tides are extremely high on my list," Washington said.

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Kalen DeBoer and Alabama reportedly make offer to 2027 four-star LB Ja'Bios Smith

Last week, the Crimson Tide provided a scholarship offer to 2027 four-star LB Ja'Bios Smith. That comes after they secured the early commitments of EDGE JaBarrius Garror and four-star athlete Alexander Ward.

Smith plays for Swainsboro High School. After the offer from Kalen DeBoer's team, he shared his thoughts with Touchdown Alabama.

"This offer means a lot to me," Smith said. "Alabama has actually been recruiting me as if I was a top priority for a while, but they are very detailed in their process, and for them to feel like I'm a fit, is an honor."

Kalen DeBoer has a lot to prove if he wants to retain his job as the Crimson Tide coach. The first step in the right direction would be to emerge as a competitor for the national championship this upcoming season.