standout cornerback in the 2026 recruiting class, officially committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide on Tuesday.

Zyan Gibson, ranked as a consensus four-star recruit and the No. 69 player in the nation by On3 Sports, Gibson chose Alabama over other offers from schools like Auburn, Ole Miss, Georgia, and Oregon.

Playing for the Gadsden City Titans, whose alumni include former Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, Gibson posted 17 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and also caught four passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns during his junior year.

The Gadsden, Alabama native reflected on his visit to Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Iron Bowl in November, speaking with Sam Spiegelman of Rivals. 

“It was good being back at Bama,” Gibson said. “I got a chance to talk to Coach (Kalen) DeBoer and Coach Mo (Linguist) before the game, and they both kept letting me know how much they want and need me — that I’m their top priority for the 2026 class.” 

Gibson also mentioned how seeing freshmen play early had an impact on his decision. “It was good seeing freshmen play early,” he said.

“That let me know when I work hard, I will have an opportunity to contribute in some way. The defense played aggressive and fast. … Bama is still one of my top schools.

It was just good to be around the coaches and getting more information about the program.” Gibson is the first commitment for Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class, which, according to 247Sports, currently ranks No. 2 overall in the 2025 class.