BREAKING: Four-Star DL Corey Howard Flips Commitment to Alabama Football
**TUSCALOOSA, Ala.** – In a significant recruiting victory that continues to demonstrate Kalen DeBoer’s prowess on the trail, Alabama football has secured a commitment from four-star defensive lineman **Corey Howard**, who flipped his pledge from the Georgia Bulldogs to join the Crimson Tide’s 2026 class .
Howard, a 6-foot-6, 245-pound edge rusher from Valdosta High School in Georgia, announced his decision following Alabama’s 37-20 win over Tennessee on October 18, 2025 . The imposing defender had been committed to Georgia since June before ultimately choosing to bring his talents to Tuscaloosa.
“I would say the atmosphere and the way they develop players really stood out,” Howard said of his decision. The lengthy pass rusher possesses the physical tools that translate well to the next level, with long arms and exceptional athleticism that allows him to dip around would-be blockers and get after quarterbacks .
Howard becomes the seventh Georgia native to commit to Alabama’s 2026 class, joining offensive lineman Chris Booker, edge rusher Jamarion Matthews, defensive back Jorden Edmonds, linebacker Xavier Griffin, and offensive linemen Bear Fretwell and Jared Doughty . This trend underscores Alabama’s continued dominance in recruiting the talent-rich Peach State under DeBoer’s leadership.
In two seasons at Valdosta High, Howard has compiled 64 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks with 12 additional quarterback pressures . His production in one of Georgia’s premier high school football programs speaks to his ability to compete at an elite level.
Howard is one of several flips Alabama has secured in the 2026 cycle, joining linebacker Xavier Griffin (USC), quarterback Jett Thomalla (Iowa State), running back Javari Barnett (Illinois), safety Rihyael Kelley (Rutgers), and offensive lineman Bear Fretwell (Georgia Tech) . This pattern of flipping committed prospects from Power Four programs demonstrates DeBoer’s relentless recruiting approach and the enduring power of the Alabama brand.
With Howard’s addition, Alabama’s 2026 class now sits at 24 commitments and ranks No. 7 nationally according to Rivals, with a strong foundation of talent across multiple positions . The class is headlined by five-star talents like linebacker Xavier Griffin, cornerback Jorden Edmonds, running back Ezavier Crowell, and safety Jireh Edwards .
Howard joins a defensive line room that includes fellow commits Jamarion Matthews, Kamhariyan Johnson, Nolan Wilson, and JJ Finch, providing Alabama with a deep and talented front for years to come . For a program built on defensive excellence, adding another disruptive presence off the edge ensures that standard remains intact.
For Georgia, losing an in-state talent to a rival stings. For Alabama and Kalen DeBoer, it’s another statement that the Crimson Tide’s recruiting machine is operating at full capacity. Corey Howard represents not just a commitment, but a declaration: Alabama remains the destination for elite defensive talent, regardless of where they start.
