2026 pledge Zykie Helton is itching to get to Alabama: “I wish I can go right now.”

The Alabama Crimson Tide hold just one verbal commitment in the Class of 2026: Zykie Helton.

Helton, the starting center for powerhouse Carrollton High School in Georgia, committed to Bama back on July 9. He has an offer sheet that features Auburn, Penn State, Texas A&M, the in-state Bulldogs, and others; it was Alabama, however, that earned an early commitment from Helton.

The 6-foot-2, 320-pounder showcased his skill set in front of a national audience during Friday’s game versus Langston Hughes.

“Me being committed to Alabama, I felt like it put a big target on my chest tonight,” Helton told BamaOnLine after Carrollton’s 34-39 loss. “I felt like I owned up to the hype. I feel like I can go play at the next level and be great.”

When asked to identify what areas he felt he did well in, the humble sophomore prospect preferred speaking about his team as a whole.

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“I don’t really like to talk about what I did,” Helton said. “We play as a team. We did good as a team… with this team, we’ve been through stuff. Made a lot of sacrifices. I feel like this team is very special.”

Helton views Friday’s close loss as an opportunity for the Trojans to learn and improve moving forward.

“We’re definitely going to build as a team together and grow,” Helton said. “What my coach says each week is we’re either growing or decaying. I feel like we’re going to grow from this and it’ll teach us a good lesson.”

Zykie Helton is “very excited” to be joining the Crimson Tide

Following the loss, Helton sported a white Alabama hoodie after wearing Bama gloves during the game. Just over a month out from joining their 2026 class, Helton feels as comfortable with his decision as he did the day he committed.

Helton explained why it didn’t take long for him to team up with the Tide after earning an offer on June 17.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always been a Bama fan,” Helton said. “I really knew when I got the offer that my recruitment was over. I said that as soon as I get that offer, I’m committing.”

There is still well over two years left until Helton will begin his collegiate journey, but he’s already adopting the Bama mentality on the field.

“Dirty, big boys, nasty up front,” Helton said of what it means to be an Alabama commit. “Finish blocks. Do everything you can do to make sure your running back doesn’t get touched.”

Contact will be limited between Helton and the Tide until Aug. 1 of next year.

While communication is currently restricted, Helton mentioned offensive line coach Eric Wolford when explaining the main reason why he remains comfortable with his decision.

“Their coach, Coach Wolford. He’s very transparent with me,” Helton said. “He treats me like I’m one of his. He’s a great offensive line coach. He puts people in the league. Them boys are big and jacked. They have a very good front right now. Tyler Booker, J.C. Latham, those are my dogs. I look up to them. I feel like I can go play in their same position that they’re playing in now.”

Earlier on Tuesday, elite 2026 prospect and Carrollton High quarterback Julian Lewis committed to the USC Trojans. Shortly afterward, teammate and Alabama tight end commit Caleb Odom posted, “I still need him” followed by two elephant emojis.

Helton said on Friday that he wants Lewis to end up in Tuscaloosa with him, and will likely keep that pursuit going.

“Hopefully Juju,” Helton said. “I’m telling him that I feel like we should just team up one more time. We should all three team up. We can go make Bama very special.”

Helton says he’s anxious to make Tuscaloosa his new home.

“I’m very excited,” Helton said. “I wish I can go right now. I’m ready to go.”

At this time, Helton does not have a return visit scheduled to Alabama. He most recently visited the program for their Champions Cook-Out in late July.

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