ESPN to broadcast multiple games with Alabama commitments this fall

Alabama and its fanbase are counting down the days until kickoff against Utah State on Sept. 3. In the meantime — and during the season — the coaching staff and fans alike will be paying attention to how future members of the program perform on the gridiron.

This week, it was revealed what games featuring Crimson Tide commits can be watched live on ESPN and its various channels over the next few months. Down below, BamaInsider provides the date, time, and channel for games that Alabama’s 2023 pledges will be playing in.

Multiple five-star Alabama commits to be on ESPN in August

Friday, Aug. 26 (6:00 p.m. CT on ESPN2): Mill Creek at Norcross — This matchup will feature recent Alabama Crimson Tide commitment Caleb Downs with the Mill Creek Hawks. On the other team, we’ll also get to see Georgia tight end commit Lawson Luckie, who officially visited Tuscaloosa last month and remains in contact with the staff.

Per the On3 Consensus, Downs is the No. 13 overall player in this recruiting cycle. He’s also tabbed as the top-ranked prospect in Georgia and the nation’s No. 1 safety.

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Saturday, Aug. 27 (8:00 p.m. CT on ESPNU): Lipscomb Academy at Thompson — Some familiar names will take the field for this game between Lipscomb and Thompson. Alabama pledge Tony Mitchell, as well as Clemson commit Peter Woods, lead a Thompson Warriors squad that is looking for a fourth-straight title.

Despite a recent visit to Texas A&M, Mitchell reaffirmed his commitment to the Crimson Tide on Twitter last week. Woods committed to the Clemson Tigers last month, but remains a target for Nick Saban’s staff.

Some key matchups for the Tide’s QB commits will be broadcasted

Friday, Sept. 9 (7:00 p.m. CT on ESPNU): Lake Gibson at Lehigh — Alabama fans will also get to see the nation’s No. 1 running back take the field the second week of September. Richard Young, a five-star prospect who committed to the Tide on July 29, will look to put on a show against the now Cormani McClain-less Lake Gibson Braves.

During his junior campaign, Young rushed for an impressive 1,755 yards and 19 touchdowns while averaging nine yards per carry. He had five games in which he rushed for at least 175 yards and three touchdowns.

Friday, Sept. 16 (9:30 p.m. CT on ESPNU): Brookwood at Bishop Gorman — Multiple future Power 5 prospects will strap up the pads for this matchup, including Alabama quarterback pledge Dylan Lonergan for Brookwood. Bishop Gorman’s squad features Five-Star Plus+ wideout and USC commit Zachariah Branch, who remains in touch with the Tide.

Last season, Lonergan threw for nearly 3,400 yards and 32 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He was also effective on the ground, racking up over 600 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

Friday, Sept. 30 (6:00 p.m. CT on ESPN2): Collins Hill at Buford — Three weeks after watching Young on ESPN, Alabama fans will get to see fellow running back commit Justice Haynes as well. Haynes and the stacked Buford Wolves (Eddrick Houston, KingJoseph Edwards, and also K.J. Bolden) will take on the powerhouse Collins Hill Eagles.

As a junior, Haynes rushed for 2,375 yards and an outstanding 29 touchdowns at 8.8 yards per carry. In his first three seasons (with Blessed Trinity), Haynes has rushed for over 5,800 yards and 72 rushing touchdowns.

Thursday, Oct. 6 (7:00 p.m. CT on ESPNU): Zachary at Woodlawn — This should be a fun one as two of Louisiana’s best will square off in a pivotal game. On one side will be Crimson Tide quarterback commit Eli Holstein, who will have to contend with opposing corner Jordan Matthews (top-15 CB in this class).

One of Alabama’s two pledges at signal caller in this cycle, Holstein is labeled the No. 41 overall player on the On3 Consensus. He also checks in as the No. 7 quarterback and the fourth-ranked rising senior in Louisiana.