Why Alabama’s Top 2026 OT Is Defying Heavy Offers from Florida State and Georgia—What’s Keeping Him Home?

Sometimes, commitment in college football recruiting feels like a game of tug-of-war — especially when you’re a 6-foot-6, 300-pound offensive tackle courted by giants like Florida State and Georgia. So what makes a top-tier talent like Jared Doughty hit the pause button on his recruitment and stick with Alabama’s Crimson Tide? It’s more than just the flash and prestige; it’s about trust, comfort, and that unmistakable vibe that says, “This is home.” Just days after his initial pledge, Doughty decided to cancel all other visits, reinforcing not only his bond with the Tide but also Alabama’s ever-growing momentum under Coach Kalen DeBoer. Is it the program’s proven track record developing NFL-ready linemen? Is it the genuine connections with coaches — or maybe the magnetic pull of the SEC’s enduring culture? Whatever it is, it’s clear Alabama’s recruiting machine is running with precision—and with flamingo-like grace—in this ultra-competitive landscape. Curious about the full story behind Doughty’s commitment and how it shakes up the SEC recruiting scene? LEARN MORE.

The Alabama Crimson Tide football team picked up another major recruiting win this week, as Class of 2026 offensive tackle Jared Doughty announced that he is shutting down his recruitment. The 6-foot-6, 300-pound lineman from Banneker High School in College Park, Georgia reaffirmed his pledge to the Crimson Tide, choosing to stay committed despite continued pressure from Florida State and Georgia.

On3’s Hayes Fawcett took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) account to share Doughty’s decision, reporting that the Alabama football commit had ended his recruitment following his visit to Tuscaloosa for the Crimson Tide’s 30-16 Week 6 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores.

“BREAKING: Class of 2026 Alabama OT commit Jared Doughty has Shut Down his Recruitment, he tells me for @rivals

Doughty planned to continue to take his OVs to Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State, Auburn, and Missouri

He’s now cancelled his trips to each”

The offensive tackle’s announcement came just four days after his Sunday commitment, reinforcing Alabama’s 2026 recruiting momentum under head coach Kalen DeBoer. Despite late interest from Florida State and Georgia, Doughty said the comfort and trust he found in Tuscaloosa made staying with the Crimson Tide an easy choice.

The connection between Doughty and Alabama football had already been established well before his visit, as he had been recruited by the Crimson Tide for several months. During his trip to Tuscaloosa, he strengthened that relationship with offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic and experienced a genuine “home” atmosphere within the program. His mother also played an important role, supporting his dream to play in the SEC for a team known for developing NFL-caliber linemen. That comfort and trust ultimately led to the closing of his recruitment, cementing Doughty’s commitment to Alabama and the culture that drew him there.

For DeBoer and the Crimson Tide staff, Doughty’s move represents more than a single commitment — it’s a statement. Even with Florida State and Georgia pushing hard, Alabama continues to prove that stability, relationships, and development still win in recruiting battles across the SEC.

The post Alabama football’s Class of 2026 OT staying put despite Florida State, Georgia interest appeared first on ClutchPoints.