Alabama Tabbed as Favorites For 5-Star Safety

Alabama Tabbed as Favorites For 5-Star Safety originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Jireh Edwards’ recruitment is nearing its final stretch, and the Alabama Crimson Tide are emerging as the team to beat. The five-star safety out of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, has been one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in the 2026 class, and after his latest visit, the Crimson Tide have positioned themselves as the frontrunners.

Edwards, ranked as the No. 2 safety in the country, was in Tuscaloosa this past weekend for an official visit, and the experience left a lasting impression. According to On3’s Steve Wiltfong, Alabama is now the favorite to land the elite defensive back.

“It’s been a fluid recruitment, but I think it’s Alabama now,” Wiltfong said. “Coming out of this visit, he said the experience was outrageous. The people, the love, the family, it was everything you could ask for.”

Standing at six-foot-one, 205 pounds, Edwards is known for his physicality, closing speed, and ability to play multiple roles in the secondary. His versatility makes him a perfect fit for Alabama’s defensive system, where he could thrive in the Husky role, a hybrid position that allows safeties to play both in coverage and near the line of scrimmage.

Edwards is set to announce his commitment on July 5, choosing between Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Texas A&M, and Auburn. While other programs are still in the mix, Alabama’s momentum appears to be growing, and the Tide could be on the verge of securing another elite defensive talent.

Related: 2026 Four-Star Quarterback Sends Oregon, Alabama Message Amid Recruitment

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.