
Alabama football continues to solidify its recruiting dominance in the South, this time by securing a major addition to its 2026 class. On Thursday, Vodney Cleveland, a highly-touted four-star interior defensive lineman from Birmingham, Alabama, announced his commitment to the Crimson Tide. The news was shared via social media through On3’s Hayes Fawcett.

Cleveland, a standout at Parker High School, is ranked No. 95 nationally in the 2026 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He is also rated as the No. 7 defensive lineman in the country and the No. 7 overall player in the state of Alabama. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 305 pounds, Cleveland brings a powerful presence to the interior of the defensive line and is expected to be a key building block for Alabama’s future defensive front.
The recruitment of Cleveland was highly competitive, with the lineman receiving offers from several top-tier programs including Auburn, Georgia, Florida, LSU, and Miami. However, it was Alabama that ultimately won the battle, beating out strong pushes from Tennessee, Auburn, and Miami. Cleveland cited the Crimson Tide’s tradition of excellence, defensive development under head coach Kalen DeBoer, and the opportunity to stay close to home as key reasons for his decision.
With this commitment, Alabama now has two players pledged for its 2026 recruiting class. Cleveland joins fellow four-star Dorian Barney, a cornerback who committed earlier in the year. Although the 2026 class is still in its early stages, these early pickups suggest the Tide are once again positioning themselves to compete for a top national recruiting ranking.
Cleveland’s commitment is also a strong indicator of Alabama’s continued ability to dominate in-state recruiting battles. Holding off Auburn and Georgia for a top in-state prospect underscores the program’s reach and staying power under DeBoer, who has seamlessly continued the recruiting legacy built by Nick Saban.
In addition to his size and strength, Cleveland has impressed scouts with his agility and quick first step. He consistently wins leverage battles in the trenches and is effective both as a run-stuffer and pass-rusher. His ability to disrupt plays from the interior makes him a versatile asset who could play multiple roles on the defensive line. Coaches and analysts alike believe he has the potential to contribute early in his collegiate career.
As Alabama rounds out its 2025 recruiting class—with 23 commitments already in place—the focus on 2026 talent is a strategic move. Getting early commitments from elite prospects like Cleveland allows the coaching staff to build momentum and foster leadership within the class. It also gives Alabama a leg up in continuing to shape a championship-caliber roster well into the future.
With the commitment of Vodney Cleveland, Alabama takes a significant step forward in constructing a dominant 2026 class. For Tide fans, it’s another reason to be excited about the program’s future—and another signal that Alabama football isn’t slowing down anytime soon.