The Alabama Crimson Tide suffered a recruiting setback this week as four-star cornerback Cincere Johnson announced his commitment to Ohio State, prompting a strategic shift in Alabama’s 2025 recruiting plans. Johnson, a standout from Texas, had been a priority target for Alabama’s secondary, and his pledge to the Buckeyes now forces Nick Saban’s staff to pivot toward other top-tier defensive backs still on the board.
Johnson’s commitment to Ohio State marks another significant win for head coach Ryan Day, who has aggressively recruited in the South. For Alabama, the decision leaves a noticeable gap in their projected defensive backfield haul, as Johnson’s versatility and athleticism made him a coveted fit for the Crimson Tide’s defensive scheme.
Now, Alabama’s attention is expected to shift toward several uncommitted prospects. Chief among them is five-star cornerback Dijon Lee Jr., who recently included Alabama in his top five and is planning a visit to Tuscaloosa this summer. The Crimson Tide are also expected to ramp up efforts to land four-star safety Trey McNutt out of Ohio, who remains uncommitted but has been trending toward SEC schools.
Another name gaining steam is Zabien Brown, a long and rangy cornerback from California who’s been on Alabama’s radar for months. With Johnson off the board, Brown may receive an uptick in attention, especially with his skill set mirroring what the Tide were looking for in Johnson.
Despite losing out on Johnson, Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class remains in strong position nationally, boasting elite talent on both sides of the ball. The staff’s ability to quickly