Top-100 CB Zyan Gibson decommits from Alabama, later retracts decisio: 'I'm standing by my pledge

Alabama was delivered a big blow to its 2026 recruiting class on Sunday night as Gadsden City (Ala.) four-star cornerback Zyan Gibson, the longest-tenured commit in the Crimson Tide’s class, told Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett that he’s decommitted.

Gibson was pledged to Kalen DeBoer and the Tide since Dec. 24 last winter. He’s now surprisingly looking elsewhere with National Signing Day just three days away.

Update: Gibson later told Fawcett that he’s instead sticking with his pledge to Alabama. The cornerback has since released a statement on social media, calling the decommitment a “miscommunication.”

“Earlier today, a post was shared about my decommitment,” he wrote on X. “I want to clarify that this message was the result of a miscommunication. I’m standing by my pledge I made to Bama. I will be signing with Bama on Dec. 3rd. At this point I will not be doing any interviews. Roll Tide!!”

Gibson is the No. 65 overall prospect and No. 9 corner 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. 4 recruit in Alabama.

Bama has lost a big piece to a loaded secondary haul, which helps headline its top-10 class — per the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Gibson has taken myriad visits to Tuscaloosa this fall and hasn’t publicly visited elsewhere since giving Ole Miss and Tennessee a look this summer.

“I’ve been done with talking to other schools. It’s just about getting a close bond with everyone in my class,” Gibson told BamaOnLine in October.

When he chose Alabama on Christmas Eve last year, Gibson also tabbed Auburn, Miami and Tennessee as finalists. His unexpected decision makes him the top uncommitted prospect in the cycle ahead of NSD on Dec. 3.

Bama suddenly loses big 2026 pledge

With Gibson now decommitted, Alabama has 22 total commits in its class. There’s still eight other top-100 commits in the fold at the top of the pledge list, though Gibson was the first. The aforementioned defensive back group remains strong.

Upper Marlboro (Md.) five-star safety Jireh Edwards is the No. 21 recruit and top-ranked safety in the nation. Marietta (Ga.) Sprayberry four-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds is the No. 34 recruit and No. 3 corner nationally. Cincinnati Winton Woods three-star safety Rihyael Kelley, who flipped from Rutgers, is also in the mix.

Edwards is one of three five-stars in the class, alongside Jackson (Ala.) running back Ezavier Crowell and Gainesville (Ga.) linebacker Xavier Griffin. Both are the No. 2 recruit at their respective positions.

Bama now has 12 blue-chippers in its class. Alexander City (Ala.) Benjamin Russell four-star wide receiver Cederian Morgan, Gainesville (Ga.) four-star EDGE Jamarion Matthews, Picayune (Miss.) Memorial four-star defensive lineman Nolan Wilson and Omaha (Neb.) Millard South four-star quarterback Jett Thomalla are among the other top commits set to ink with the Tide this coming week.