- Alabama Lands 4-Star DE Nolan Wilson as Recruiting Momentum Continues; USC Adds Elite WR Ethan Feaster
Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class continues to gain traction as four-star defensive end Nolan Wilson announced his commitment to the Crimson Tide on Friday. Ranked No. 53 in the 2026 ESPN 300, Wilson becomes the latest high-profile prospect to join head coach Kalen DeBoer’s rising class.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound standout from Picayune, Mississippi, is the No. 5 defensive end and the fourth-best player in Mississippi for the 2026 cycle, according to ESPN rankings. Wilson chose Alabama over Auburn, Miami, and Ole Miss after taking official visits to each, including a pivotal early June visit to Tuscaloosa.
Wilson’s pledge continues Alabama’s strong June recruiting push. After a slow start to the 2026 cycle, the Crimson Tide added key pieces including offensive tackle Sam Utu (No. 78), linebacker Xavier Griffin (No. 30), running back Ezavier Crowell (No. 31), and tight end Mack Sutter (No. 138). On July 2, Alabama landed in-state wide receiver Cederian Morgan (No. 6 WR), vaulting the Tide to No. 9 in ESPN’s latest class rankings.
Alabama was the first school to offer Wilson a Division I scholarship after he visited campus for the Tide’s Sept. 28 win over Georgia. He was primarily recruited by defensive line coach Freddie Roach. With his commitment, Wilson becomes the third-highest ranked defender in the class, joining ESPN 300 defenders Jorden Edmonds (No. 38), Zyan Gibson (No. 65), and fellow defensive end Jamarion Matthews (No. 92).
More talent could be on the way for Alabama, as five-star safety Jireh Edwards (No. 23) is set to announce his college decision Saturday, with Alabama, Auburn, and Georgia as his finalists.
Meanwhile, USC secured a major addition to its No. 1-ranked 2026 class with the commitment of four-star wide receiver Ethan “Boobie” Feaster on Friday. Feaster, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound playmaker from DeSoto, Texas, is ESPN’s No. 25 overall prospect and the third-ranked receiver in the class. Initially part of the 2027 cycle, Feaster reclassified to 2026 earlier this year and has quickly emerged as one of the most sought-after offensive talents.
After visiting all four of his finalists — USC, Alabama, LSU, and Texas A&M — Feaster chose to join Lincoln Riley’s program, citing the Trojans’ offensive system and his long-standing relationship with wide receivers coach Dennis Simmons as key factors.
“They’re going to put me in the best position to go in the first round,” Feaster told ESPN. “Coach Riley will get the ball to his best players, and they’re always going to have a quarterback.”
Feaster is the seventh ESPN 300 prospect to commit to USC since May 1 and adds firepower to a dynamic skill-position group that includes tight end Mark Bowman (No. 26), running backs Shahn Alston II (No. 97) and Deshonne Redeaux (No. 119), and wide receiver Trent Mosley (No. 189), all set to play alongside quarterback commit Jonas Williams (No. 159).
Feaster’s commitment builds on a stellar early July for USC and first-year general manager Chad Bowden, bringing the Trojans’ 2026 class total to 31 commits — 18 of whom are ESPN 300 prospects, the most in the nation.
Texas A&M, one of Feaster’s finalists, reportedly presented one of the most lucrative NIL offers in the race. The Aggies currently sit at No. 3 in ESPN’s team rankings and remain in strong contention to flip five-star LSU wide receiver commit Tristen Keys (No. 10 overall).
Feaster, a state champion at DeSoto High School, has posted 87 catches for 1,489 yards and 23 touchdowns over his first two high school seasons. His connection with Coach Simmons, who previously coached NFL stars CeeDee Lamb, Michael Crabtree, and Jordan Addison, played a key role in his decision.
“I trust Coach Simmons,” Feaster said. “I feel good about what I can do with him.”
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