Alabama’s College Football Playoff preparation began over the weekend, and more than half of its 2024 recruiting class will take part in Playoff practices.
Per On3, 13 signees comprise the initial early enrollees: On offense, it’s quarterback Julian Sayin, tight end Caleb Odom and offensive linemen Casey Poe, Joseph Ionata and William Sanders. On defense, it’s linemen Jeremiah Beaman and Isaia Faga, linebacker Sterling Dixon (who will not be participating due to injury) and defensive backs Zabien Brown, Jameer Grimsley, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr, Rydarrius Morgan and Peyton Woodyard.
Three others — defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe and linebackers Cayden Jones and Justin Okoronkwo — are expected to enroll in January after playing in national all-star games. Also of note: Okoronkwo, a Germany native, is the first European prospect to be invited to and play in the All American Bowl (formerly known as the U.S. Army All-American Game).
With this past weekend being the last before the dead period, Alabama hosted several recruits, ranging from official visits for both committed prospects and players currently committed elsewhere to transfer portal visits to unofficial visits for elite 2025 prospects, including quarterback Bryce Underwood — the No. 1 player in 2025, according to the 247Sports Composite — and fellow 2025 five-star DJ Pickett, a defensive back. There was also some movement within Alabama’s current roster.
