Kalen DeBoer and Alabama orchestrated a notable recruiting victory on Wednesday, successfully swaying 3-star in-state wide receiver Cedrick Simmons to flip his pledge from bitter rival Auburn. Simmons had been committed to the Tigers since June, but the Crimson Tide intensified their pursuit in recent weeks and ultimately secured the Selma standout.
During his junior campaign, Simmons amassed over 2,100 receiving yards, the highest total among all receivers in the state of Alabama. He possesses the ability to break open a game at any moment, and DeBoer along with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will have the opportunity to devise innovative ways to deploy him within their offensive scheme.
Securing Simmons’ flip provides Alabama with a helpful surge of positive momentum. This could potentially signal the start of a broader flip season for the Crimson Tide. With numerous top-tier targets already committed elsewhere, DeBoer and his coaching staff may be inclined to pursue additional flips over the upcoming months.
Here are five potential flip candidates for Alabama to monitor in the 2027 recruiting cycle:
5. Ayden Coleman
Louisville, MS | 3-star | Committed to Mississippi State
Alabama still has a need at linebacker in the 2027 class after losing former commit Kenneth Simon II, a 4-star prospect and Tennessee legacy who ultimately flipped to the Volunteers. Coleman was on Alabama’s radar even while Simon was still in the fold. The Crimson Tide extended an offer to Coleman in early June following his camp appearance in Tuscaloosa. He gave his pledge to Mississippi State the next week after visiting Starkville, yet he still took his official visit to Alabama the week after that. The Tide could keep applying pressure on Coleman in the months ahead in an effort to pull him away from the Bulldogs.
4. Isaac McNeil
Mobile, AL | 4-star | Committed to Auburn
Alabama could potentially secure a pair of flips from Auburn, with 4-star in-state linebacker Isaac McNeil representing another possibility. McNeil had Alabama among his finalists during his initial recruitment before ultimately choosing the Tigers. The Crimson Tide did not heavily prioritize McNeil at that juncture, instead concentrating their efforts on Simon—a decision that backfired after Simon defected to Tennessee. DeBoer and his staff might now redirect their attention to McNeil with an all-out push between now and the early signing period in December.
3. Junior Tu’upo
Alabaster, AL | 4-star | Committed to Texas
Alabama came up short in its pursuit of in-state safety Junior Tu’upo a few weeks ago when Texas swooped in and landed his commitment. Safety does not rank as a pressing need for the Crimson Tide in this cycle, but losing an in-state recruit to the Longhorns still carries a sting. This recruitment may not be entirely settled, particularly given that Tu’upo is close friends and high school teammates with Alabama quarterback commit Trent Seaborn, who will surely be in his ear consistently between now and December.
2. Ja’Hyde Brown
Louisville, KY | 4-star | Committed to Louisville
This scenario largely depends on what unfolds Friday with 5-star Monshun Sales. Alabama remains in the mix for Sales and will continue to pursue him regardless, but the expectation is that Sales will choose between Texas and Indiana. It is possible DeBoer may not seek another receiver after flipping Simmons, especially since they already secured 4-star Osani Gayles, and adding a third receiver might be a Sales-or-bust proposition. However, Brown’s recruitment has gained significant traction recently, and Alabama had interest in him as far back as last fall. The Crimson Tide have maintained contact, and they could intensify their efforts if Sales opts for the Hoosiers or Longhorns on Friday as many anticipate.
1. Mitchell Turner
Louisville, MS | 4-star | Committed to Ole Miss
For much of his recruitment, Alabama was viewed as the heavy favorite to land 4-star defensive lineman Mitchell Turner. That momentum shifted following his visit to Oxford, and Turner eventually chose to commit to the in-state Rebels. Still, this recruitment may not be completely closed. Alabama defensive line coach Freddie Roach established an early connection with Turner, and the Crimson Tide were the first Power Four program to extend an offer—a factor that played a significant role in Alabama’s longstanding favorite status. Roach intends to keep pursuing Turner relentlessly until the signing paperwork is finalized. Flipping him from Ole Miss will be a difficult task, but that does not mean Alabama will refrain from trying.
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