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5-star EDGE Anthony 'Tank' Jones narrows list to three schools

Wg0vf-nP_400x400by: Keegan Pope07/03/25bykeeganpope
Recruiting Q&A - 2025-05-12T122031.398
Anthony Jones (EJ Holland/On3)

Anthony Jones, one of the top remaining uncommitted prospects in the country, is moving closer to a commitment decision.

On Thursday, the Mobile (Ala.) St. Paul’s Episcopal star told On3’s Hayes Fawcett that he is down to Texas A&M, Alabama and Oregon in his recruitment. That cuts list to just three after receiving more than 30 offers over the past two years.

He took official visits with each of the three programs in the month of June, and also made stops at Miami and Auburn. But both of those schools appear to be on the outside looking in. Jones has not set a commitment date, but has hinted he could commit this summer or potentially take his recruitment all the way until signing day in December.

The in-state Crimson Tide have long been considered one of the top schools — if not the favorite — during his process. His official visit last month only solidified that.

“On this visit, I loved the brotherhood that I saw at Alabama,” he told Rivals’ Chad Simmons. “The relationships I have with the staff is something else I like a lot. How I fit into the scheme and their plan for me is something else that stands out at Alabama. … What helped Alabama the most on this visit was seeing what they can do for me and helping me be versatile in the defense. They have a plan for me even if I get bigger and gain weight.”

Ducks and Aggies giving Jones a lot to think about

Despite that, Oregon and Texas A&M haven’t made it easy. Both impressed him on his official visits.

“This visit definitely helped them,” he said of the Ducks to Simmons. “On this visit, I was building more relationships. It was great being around the coaches. We talked about a lot of stuff.”

He added of the Aggies: “Texas A&M is definitely still a top school for me. Outside of my relationships with the coaches, the connections I can make at A&M and the alumni are other things that make them stand out. The degree from there would be big for me too.

Jones is the No. 20 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also ranks as the nation’s No. 3 edge rusher and the No. 2 recruit in the Yellowhammer State.

With him in the fold, Alabama now has commitments from four of the top five in-state players in this class, including all three five-stars.

As a junior, the 6-foot-3, 245-pounder recorded 84 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks. He is also a standout on the track, winning the Alabama 6A discus state championship as a junior with a toss of 161 feet, 5 inches. In the shot put, he threw 56 feet, 3.75 inches to take home silver.