The city of Tuscaloosa is buzzing with excitement as the Alabama Crimson Tide secures a significant commitment from in-state defensive standout Kamhariyan Johnson. The highly sought-after EDGE rusher from Muscle Shoals High School in Alabama announced his decision on Saturday, April 12, 2025, sending waves of elation through the Crimson Tide faithful.1 Johnson chose to stay in his home state, picking Alabama over formidable programs like Ole Miss, Auburn, and Clemson.2 His announcement, punctuated with the emphatic declaration “LLMYPOPS, I’M HOME🐘🐘” on social media, signifies a major victory for Kalen DeBoer and his coaching staff as they continue to build their 2026 recruiting class.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-4 and weighing 260 pounds, Kamhariyan Johnson possesses the ideal frame and athleticism to excel as an EDGE defender at the collegiate level.3 His film showcases a disruptive force off
the edge, demonstrating a potent combination of size, strength, and surprising agility. Johnson exhibits impressive footwork and a relentless motor, consistently penetrating the offensive backfield.4 He utilizes his hands effectively to shed blockers and displays the speed to chase down ball carriers across the field. His versatility and ability to impact both the pass and run game make him a prized asset in any defensive scheme.
Recruiting analysts have consistently lauded Johnson’s potential. The 247Sports composite rankings place him as the No. 35 EDGE rusher nationally and the No. 17 overall prospect in the state of Alabama for the 2026 class. While these rankings are subject to change as the recruiting cycle progresses, Johnson’s commitment is undoubtedly a significant addition to Alabama’s future defensive line. He becomes the fifth commit in Alabama’s 2026 class and the second EDGE rusher, joining Jamarion Matthews from Georgia, who committed earlier in February.5
Johnson’s decision to commit to Alabama is particularly sweet for the Crimson Tide given the intense competition they faced for his pledge. Auburn and Ole Miss, both SEC rivals, made strong pushes for the talented in-state prospect.6 Clemson, with its national reputation for producing top-tier defensive linemen, was also a serious contender.7 However, in the end, the allure of playing for the Crimson Tide, coupled with the opportunity to represent his home state, proved too strong for Johnson to resist.
The commitment of Kamhariyan Johnson is a testament to the recruiting prowess of Kalen DeBoer and his staff. Despite the coaching transition following the retirement of the legendary Nick Saban, Alabama has continued to attract top talent.8 Johnson’s pledge further solidifies the foundation of their 2026 class, which is currently ranked among the top 30 nationally by 247Sports.9 With Johnson now in the fold, Alabama looks poised to continue building a formidable recruiting class that can compete for championships in the years to come. The jubilation in Tuscaloosa is well-founded, as the addition of a player with Johnson’s caliber brings immense promise to the future of the Crimson Tide defense.
