Top 3 corner in ’26 class names Alabama leader after Champions Cook-Out

Alabama hosted several of the nation’s best recruits for the Champions Cook-Out on Sunday. Zyan Gibson, ’26 Top 100 cornerback from Gadsden (Ala.) City, was among the select juniors invited to the final recruiting event of the summer. Gibson has visited Alabama three times since Coach Kalen DeBoer replaced Nick Saban, and the relationship continues to grow with the new head coach.

Gibson, who grew up an Alabama fan, had not previously named a leader. That was until he completed the visit in Tuscaloosa Sunday afternoon.

“‘Bama is at the top of the list,” Gibson told BOL. “I just feel at home every time I come down here. There are still other schools in it, but ‘Bama is at the top for me.”

Gibson enjoys return visit to T-Town

Zyan Gibson with Alabama CBs coach Mo Linguist

Gibson wants to attend several games this fall, and a decision is not expected until next spring. He mentioned attending “at least three” games at Bryant-Denny Stadium including Alabama/Georgia on September 28.

“I like their energy,” he told BOL last month. “They have the most DBs in the NFL right now with 17. I think they can help me get to that level, to play at that level.”

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound corner received his initial offer from Coach DeBoer on March 4. He returned June 8 for another unofficial visit. The trip on Sunday was another opportunity to grow his relationship with the staff and enjoy more time on the UA campus.

“It was fun, I liked it,” he said after the conclusion of the event. “I went down there with my dad. We ate when we first got there. I played the game (NCAA) and then we had a scavenger hunt. I talked with the coaches and hung out with some of the other recruits like Cederian Morgan and Anquon Fegans.

“The scavenger hunt was the best part of the visit. They just had girls who worked for Alabama in random places around campus. We had to find them, read the clue and they would tell us where to go next. It was fun. I enjoyed it.”

Relationship growing with Alabama staff

Zyan Gibson with Alabama football GM Courtney Morgan

Gibson noted current Alabama players were enjoying the event including quarterback Jalen Milroe. The Top 3 in-state recruit, however, spent most of his time speaking with the Crimson Tide coaches. He was with defensive backs coach Mo Linguist, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, general manager Courtney Morgan and Coach DeBoer.

“Coach Mo was just telling me how much he likes my game, and how he wants me to come back down there for some games this season,” Gibson said. “He said I am one of the top corners in the ’26 class. I think he’s a really talented coach.

“Coach DeBoer and I had real good conversation. He was telling me how much he wants me to come back, and how he wants me to be a part of the team. I feel like my relationship is coming along great with the coaches especially Coach DeBoer.”

Gibson named Auburn, Miami, Michigan, Ole Miss, Oregon and Tennessee as other schools still in consideration. He will decide on fall visit plans as the season gets a little closer.

Want to talk with the BOL staff and also thousands of other Alabama fans about all the latest recruiting intel? CLICK HERE to join daily conversations about the Crimson Tide and much more on the BOL RoundTable.

The post Top 3 corner in ’26 class names Alabama leader after Champions Cook-Out appeared first on On3.