Recruiting is a wild business. One day you're the hometown hero expected to walk into Bryant-Denny Stadium, and the next, you're donning neon green and heading 2,500 miles away. That’s exactly what happened with Anthony “Tank” Jones.
If you follow Alabama football recruiting, you know the name. Tank Jones isn't just another prospect. He's a 6-foot-4, 250-pound wrecking ball from St. Paul’s Episcopal in Mobile. For a long time, he felt like a lock for Kalen DeBoer. He grew up a Bama fan. He’s the top-ranked player in the state for the 2026 class. His dad even spoke openly about how special Tuscaloosa felt compared to other programs.
Then, the shocker happened.
On July 31, 2025, Jones sat down on The Pat McAfee Show and picked Oregon. It sent a literal jolt through the SEC. Losing the #1 player in your backyard to a Big Ten school in the Pacific Northwest? That’s not supposed to happen in the state of Alabama.
Why Alabama Football Recruiting Tank Jones Became a National Story
It’s about more than just one player. It’s about the "new" landscape of college football.
When people search for Alabama football recruiting Tank Jones, they’re usually trying to figure out how he got away. It came down to a few things. First, Dan Lanning and Tosh Lupoi—a former Saban assistant—went into Mobile and made Jones feel like he was the absolute #1 priority. They didn't just recruit him; they lived in his ear.
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Secondly, we have to talk about the elephant in the room. NIL.
Reports surfaced shortly after his commitment suggesting Jones’ deal with Oregon could be worth over $1 million for his first season. That’s staggering for a high schooler. Alabama has a "good" NIL program, but DeBoer has been clear: they want guys who want to be at Alabama for the culture, not just the bag.
The Stats and the Hype
Tank is a freak of nature. Seriously.
- Junior Season: 84 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 16 sacks.
- Freshman Season: 130 tackles and 15 sacks.
- The "Tank" Factor: He’s also a state champion in the discus (161-5 feet).
He’s not just a pass rusher; he’s an athlete who has played tight end, linebacker, and even H-back. When you watch his tape, he plays with his hair on fire. He wins with brute strength. He has this "long arm" move that basically walks 300-pound offensive tackles into their own quarterback’s lap. It’s violent. It’s fun to watch.
Can Alabama Flip Him Back?
The 2026 cycle is far from over.
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Even though Jones signed with Oregon during the early period in December 2025, the "flip" talk never truly died down in Tuscaloosa. Fans remember the Ryan Williams saga. They remember how these things can shift. However, as of January 2026, Jones seems locked in with the Ducks. He’s part of a massive Oregon class that includes five-star Jett Washington and Immanuel Iheanacho.
Honestly, it’s a tough pill for Bama fans.
Losing the top-rated EDGE in the country hurts, especially when he’s from Mobile. Alabama hasn't been "lazy" though. DeBoer has a top-5 class for 2026, headlined by guys like running back Ezavier Crowell (who did stay home) and edge rusher Xavier Griffin.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of fans think Alabama "lost" their touch because Nick Saban retired. That’s a lazy narrative. Alabama’s 2026 class is actually deeper in terms of average player rating than Oregon's. The difference is that Oregon is willing to go to extreme lengths—geographically and financially—to pluck specific stars from the South.
Lanning is essentially using the Saban blueprint against the school where he learned it.
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The Future for Tank Jones and the Tide
So, where does this leave us?
Alabama is still a powerhouse. They signed Jamarion Matthews and Kamhariyan Johnson, both four-star EDGE prospects who can absolutely play. But they aren't Tank Jones. Jones is a Day 1 NFL Draft talent. He has that "95 explosion score" that scouts drool over.
If you’re an Alabama fan, you have to watch the transfer portal. In 2026, if things don't go perfectly in Eugene, the Mobile kid might feel a little homesick. It happens. Until then, the Tide has to focus on the guys who signed the papers.
Actionable Insights for Following the 2026 Cycle:
- Watch the Spring Game: Keep an eye on Xavier Griffin. He’s the guy tasked with being the "Tank Jones" of this Bama class.
- Monitor DeBoer’s Portal Strategy: Alabama is currently looking for a veteran running back (like Makhi Frazier) to fill gaps since they missed on some in-state depth.
- Don't Panic: Alabama still has the most five-star commits in the country for 2026, tied with Georgia. The sky isn't falling; it just looks a little different.
The battle for Tank Jones was a loss, sure. But in the current era of recruiting, no "loss" is permanent until the player is actually on the field in a different jersey. Even then, the portal is always open. For now, Alabama moves forward with one of the best classes in the nation, even if the biggest prize in the state is heading West.