4-star IOL Samuelu Utu decommits from Alabama

Orange (Calif.) Lutheran four-star offensive lineman Samuelu Utu has decommitted from Alabama, he told Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett on Monday.

Utu had been pledged to the Crimson Tide since June, when he chose them over SMU, USC, Nebraska and a number of other programs. SMU’s staff remained in pursuit though, and has been considered the favorite to land him for the better part of the last week.

Utu’s decision comes just a week before National Signing Day, and leaves the Tide looking to fill his spot.

🚨BREAKING🚨 4-star IOL Samuelu Utu decommitted from Alabama, @Hayesfawcett3 reports.

Read: https://t.co/86FXL1bOlt pic.twitter.com/fTOTrwMB0p

— Rivals (@Rivals) November 25, 2025

The 6-foot-5, 330-pounder is the No. 328 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services. He also ranks as the nation’s No. 27 interior lineman and No. 29 recruit in California.

Now with a week to go until Signing Day, the Mustangs will look to close the deal after getting close this summer.
“Utu officially visited SMU over the summer and they were actually the school we thought would land him,” Rivals’ Greg Biggins wrote earlier this week. “He loved his visit, the campus vibe and his relationship with the coaching staff. 

… He really bonded with SMU offensive line coach Garin Justice, loved the city of Dallas and the offensive scheme fit. Alabama rallied and were able to land his commitment shortly after his official visit to Tuscaloosa.”

The Mustangs currently hold the nation’s No. 27 recruiting class, but have a chance to move into the top-25 if they can get Utu in the fold.