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Alabama

2026 OL Zykie Helton commits to Alabama: 'I could fit in there perfectly'

Jeremy Johnsonby: Jeremy Johnson07/09/23JeremyO_Johnson
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Photo courtesy of Zykie Helton.

Alabama has always had the heart of Carrollton (Ga.) 2026 interior offensive lineman Zykie Helton. Now, the Crimson Tide has an early verbal commitment from the 6-foot-2, 305-pound sophomore.

Helton has become the first commitment for the Crimson Tide in the class of 2026 on Sunday. Tuscaloosa felt like the best spot for Helton. Alabama’s culture and values fit a lot of what Helton champions. Helton felt Alabama checked all the boxes.

“I feel like Alabama is the best program that I can be in,” Helton told On3. “I feel like I could fit in there perfectly.”

Helton had strong personal ties to the Crimson Tide before they ever extended him an offer.

Zykie Helton grew up an Alabama fan

Helton has been an Alabama fan since he was about 9-years-old.

“I’ve been an Alabama fan since I was a little boy,” Helton said. “That was my dream school growing up…I heard them on the radio,” Helton said. “When I was 9 years old I started watching them, I felt like I wanted to play there one day.”

Back on June 17, Helton added the offer of a lifetime. He hopped in the car with talented 2026 quarterback Julian Lewis and went to Alabama to camp. Helton won 10 straight one-on-one reps in front of Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

Shortly after, Alabama extended an offer and Helton has had his eyes set on playing in Tuscaloosa when he finishes high school since then.

“I started crying (after I got the offer),” Helton said. “Where I came from, it doesn’t matter where you start, it’s about how you finish. It was also very emotional for me. After I got the offer, I was that’s where I want to go.”

Helton also has only played one year of high school football. He has three years before he ever signs a national letter of intent.

Helton took the ‘when you know you know’ approach to his recruitment. He’s already added eight early offers from programs around the country, including in-state powerhouse Georgia.

Helton also didn’t see a need to wait. He’s also confident in his ability currently and what he could be in the coming years as a player.

“There’s no other college I want to go to,” Helton said. “I feel like with me going into my sophomore year, I feel like I’m the best offensive lineman in 2026. I just went ahead and made my decision.”