Alabama Lands No. 1 Recruit Corey Barber in Major Recruiting Coup
TUSCALOOSA, AL — In a seismic shift in the college football recruiting world, the Alabama Crimson Tide have once again asserted their dominance. Corey Barber, the nation’s consensus No. 1 high school football player, announced his commitment to Alabama, sending shockwaves through rival programs and thrilling Crimson Tide fans across the country.
Barber, a five-star phenom out of Houston, Texas, had narrowed his final list to Alabama, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and BYU. But after months of speculation and high-stakes visits, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound wide receiver made his decision public in a televised commitment ceremony Thursday evening.
“This is where I feel at home,” Barber said, donning a crimson Alabama cap. “Coach DeBoer and the staff have a clear vision for how they want to use me, and I want to be part of something special.”
Barber’s commitment is a monumental win for first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, who continues to make a statement following Nick Saban’s retirement. DeBoer, who previously turned Washington into a national contender, now lands a generational talent to headline his first full recruiting class in Tuscaloosa.
Barber, known for his blazing speed, elite route running, and high football IQ, finished his senior season with 1,482 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. Analysts consider him a potential Day 1 impact player and a future first-round NFL draft pick.
Losing out on Barber is a tough blow for programs like Ole Miss and Tennessee, both of which had built strong relationships with the young star. Still, Alabama’s tradition, NFL pipeline, and retooled offensive scheme proved too much to overcome.
With Barber’s pledge, Alabama solidifies its position atop the 2025 recruiting rankings—and the future looks bright once again in Tuscaloosa.
