Alabama’s Champions Cookout is set to be a pivotal event for the Tide’s 2025 recruits, offering a chance for current commitments to strengthen bonds before their senior seasons begin.
More crucially, it will give the coaching staff an opportunity to make a significant impression on uncommitted prospects.
This year’s Cookout isn’t a do-or-die situation, which highlights the successful efforts of the staff throughout the summer. Alabama has excelled in recruiting and secured many of its top targets. While maintaining the class’s integrity throughout the fall remains essential, any additional recruits will be a bonus.
Notably, Quitman, Mississippi running back AK Dear is expected to commit to Alabama this weekend. Dear has been linked to Alabama since decommitting from Ole Miss a month ago, and the Cookout seems like the perfect occasion for him to make his commitment official. While all eyes will be on Dear, Alabama might be strategizing other significant moves behind the scenes.
One surprising attendee is 4-star safety Anquon Fegans, who has shown a preference for Auburn. His visit to the Cookout, just a day before his planned commitment announcement, suggests Alabama might be back in contention. His older brother, Tre’Quon, was an Alabama commit in 2022 but transferred after a season. Despite his mixed experience, the new coaching staff could sway Anquon’s decision.
Anquon’s eldest brother, Antwon, joined Auburn as a walk-on, which could influence Anquon’s decision towards the Tigers. Nonetheless, Alabama’s prowess in campus visits keeps their hopes alive.
Missing from the Cookout list are 5-star prospects Justus Terry and Kaliq Lockett, who are highly sought after by Bama fans. Terry and Lockett are elite players poised to make an immediate impact wherever they go, though Alabama faces stiff competition for both.
Lockett is expected to announce his decision in early August, with Texas seemingly leading. Terry’s decision might extend into the fall, with Georgia as the frontrunner. Alabama’s chances improve the longer he postpones his commitment.
