Everyone thought they knew where Anthony "Tank" Jones was going. If you follow Alabama football recruiting, you know how these stories usually end. A five-star kid from St. Paul’s Episcopal in Mobile? That’s basically a locked-in commit for the Crimson Tide since the days of Bear Bryant. Or at least it was supposed to be.
But modern recruiting is a different beast entirely. It’s messy.
When Anthony Jones sat down on The Pat McAfee Show back in July 2025, the local vibe in Tuscaloosa was confident. He had visited Bama nine times. He was the top-ranked player in the state. Instead, he pulled out an Oregon hat.
The room went quiet in Mobile, but in Eugene, Dan Lanning was probably doing backflips.
The Battle for the State's Best Edge Rusher
Let’s be real: losing the #1 prospect in your own backyard hurts. Jones isn't just a "good" player; he's a 6-foot-4, 245-pound wrecking ball. Last year at St. Paul's, the guy put up 122 tackles and 16 sacks. You don’t just "replace" those numbers.
Alabama's staff, led by Kalen DeBoer and outside linebackers coach Christian Robinson, did everything by the book. They treated him like a priority. They even had him on FaceTime when Coach Robinson’s daughter was born. That’s deep. They pitched him on the "Wolf" position—that hybrid pass-rusher role that turned Will Anderson Jr. into a household name.
It didn't stick.
Why Oregon Won the Anthony Jones Sweepstakes
- Relationship with Tosh Lupoi: The Ducks’ defensive coordinator has deep SEC roots and knows how to talk to kids from the South.
- The "NFL Scheme" Pitch: Jones explicitly mentioned that Oregon’s defensive structure felt like a better bridge to the pros for him.
- The Na’eem Offord Effect: Oregon has started a bit of a pipeline in Alabama. Snagging Offord in the 2025 cycle gave Jones a "home away from home" vibe.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild to see Oregon becoming a legitimate threat for in-state Alabama talent. Ten years ago, this wouldn't have happened. Now? It's a regular Tuesday.
What This Means for Alabama's 2026 Class
Is the sky falling in Tuscaloosa? Not exactly.
Even without "Tank," the Alabama football recruiting machine is still humming. DeBoer has actually put together a terrifyingly good 2026 haul. We’re talking about a class that has featured five-star guys like Xavier Griffin and Ezavier Crowell.
Griffin is the one to watch here. He's also an elite edge rusher from Georgia who basically occupies the same space Jones would have. So, while losing a Mobile kid sucks for the "pride of the state" factor, the depth chart isn't exactly hurting for talent.
The Scouting Report on "Tank"
If you haven't seen his film, Jones plays with his "hair on fire," as the scouts like to say. He’s not just a pass rusher. He’s a state champion in the discus and shot put. That power translates. He’s the kind of athlete who can walk a 300-pound offensive tackle straight back into the quarterback’s lap.
He also played tight end and running back in high school. Think about that. A 240-pounder who scored eight touchdowns on offense while leading the state in sacks. He’s a freak.
Why the "In-State" Narrative is Changing
We used to think there was a wall around the state of Alabama. Nick Saban built it, and for a long time, it was impenetrable. But the 2026 cycle has shown some cracks.
It’s not just about NIL money, though that's always a factor. It’s about the fact that kids today aren't afraid to fly 2,000 miles away if they think a specific coach can get them to the NFL faster. Jones saw what Oregon was doing with their defensive front and decided he wanted in.
Texas A&M was also in the mix right until the end. They had the longest-standing relationship with him, but the allure of Eugene was too much.
The Next Steps for Alabama Fans
The early signing period has passed, and Jones is officially a Duck. He signed his letter of intent in December 2025. For Bama fans, the focus now shifts to "flipping" season and the transfer portal.
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- Watch the 2027 In-State Crop: Alabama can't afford to let the top player in the state leave two years in a row. Expect a much more aggressive "lockdown" strategy for the next cycle.
- Monitor Xavier Griffin’s Development: Since he’s the primary edge commit, his early enrollment this month is huge. If he looks like a superstar in spring ball, the sting of losing Jones will fade fast.
- Keep an eye on the Portal: If things don't go perfectly for Jones in the Big Ten, don't be surprised if his name pops up in the portal a year or two from now. That's just the world we live in.
Alabama football recruiting is never truly "over." It just moves to the next name on the board. While Anthony Jones heading to Oregon is a tough pill to swallow, the 2026 class remains a top-three unit nationally. The talent is there; now the Tide just has to coach them up.
Check the current 2026 commitment list to see how the staff has already moved to fill the remaining gaps on the defensive line before the spring window opens.