4-star Alabama Crimson Tide recruiting target makes strong statement about the post Nick Saban era in Tuscaloosa
2026 four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson, one of the Alabama Crimson Tide’s top recruiting targets, thinks big things are on the horizon in Tuscaloosa in the post-Nick Saban era.
Johnson, 6-foot-3/225 lbs from Cleveland, OH, is rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 8 linebacker in the nation and the No. 3 player in the state of Ohio. He’s also rated as the No. 104 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.
The coveted linebacker recruit recently spoke to On3 about his recruitment and he made it clear that he thinks something special is brewing at Alabama under head coach Kalen DeBoer.
“I love the coaching staff,” said Johnson to On3. “Coach Chuck [Morrell] and all them there. Obviously, you know, everybody is saying Nick Saban is retired. But I think they definitely have something special going up there, trying to build something new and developing a new name for themselves.”
Some folks — including some Crimson Tide fans — are down on Alabama football after DeBoer’s first season in Tuscaloosa.
And while it’s true that the 2024 season wasn’t up the standard that’s been created at Alabama over the last 17 years, it was still a solid debut season for DeBoer.
Going 9-4 in your first season in the SEC after replacing arguably the greatest college football coach of all time is nothing to be upset about. Sure, there were some moments in the 2024 season that DeBoer would undoubtedly like to have back, but overall, he proved that he’s up the challenge of coaching in the SEC.
Year one was all about DeBoer instilling his culture and finding his footing at a new program where the spotlight is unlike anything he’s ever experienced before. DeBoer could’ve fared a lot worse considering the situation.
Elite recruits are clearly excited about the future of Alabama’s program under DeBoer. Crimson Tide fans should be as well.
