Alabama flips 2026 OT Bear Fretwell from Georgia Tech

Brooklet (Ga.) Southeast Bulloch three-star offensive tackle Bear Fretwell has flipped his commitment from Georgia Tech to Alabama.

Pledged to the in-state Yellow Jackets since June 15, the 6-foot-6, 295-pounder is now set to head to Tuscaloosa. He announced an offer from the Crimson Tide earlier this month and is now the latest flip for head coach Kalen DeBoer and Co.

Bama OL coach Chris Kapilovic identified the Peach State trench monster and has now added him to a class that ranks No. 6 in the nation.

“The environment over there is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” Fretwell told Rivals. “Everyone there has the same goal of reaching the highest level of football. So you’re a rounded by people who want to better themselves.”

“They care a lot about there players. And it’s very intentional … It feels more like home over there. I love how caring everyone is and the developmental aspect of bama is second to none.”

Fretwell is the No. 690 overall prospect and No. 51 OT in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 80 player in Georgia.

Bama adds another OL to 2026 class

With Fretwell now in the fold, Bama now has three offensive linemen in its class. He joins Orange Lutheran four-star IOL Samuelu Utu and Atlanta Hapeville Charter four-star IOL Chris Booker.

Booker was an early pledge for DeBoer and Co., joining the class back in February. His stock continues to rise ahead of his senior campaign; he now checks in as the No. 115 overall prospect and No. 8 interior lineman in the Rivals300.

Utu is one of the latest Golden State stars to choose the SEC juggernaut following a pledge in June. Utu is a top-200 recruit and the No. 10 IOL in the Rivals Industry Ranking.

The class as a whole now features 21 commits and continues to push for top-five status in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. The Tide have been red-hot this summer, adding six top-100 recruits to the fold since the beginning of June: five-star safety Jireh Edwards, five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin, five-star wide receiver Cederian Morgan, elite four-star running back Ezavier Crowell, four-star defensive lineman Nolan Wilson and four-star tight end Mack Sutter.

Flip season has gotten started early for Bama. Four-star quarterback Jett Thomalla (Iowa State), three-star running back Javari Barnett (Illinois), three-star safety Rihyael Kelly (Rutgers) and Fretwell have all flipped to the Tide this cycle.