In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star recruit and former Notre Dame commit, Elijah Thompson, has flipped his commitment to the University of Alabama. The elite defensive back, widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 class, had long been viewed as a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s future. His decision to decommit from the Fighting Irish and instead pledge to the Crimson Tide has instantly shifted the recruiting narrative across the nation.
Thompson, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound lockdown corner out of IMG Academy in Florida, made the announcement Monday via a video posted to his social media channels. The dramatic reveal came after months of speculation, official visits, and behind-the-scenes recruiting battles involving college football’s blue bloods—Michigan, Georgia, and Ohio State among them.
“I want to thank Notre Dame for believing in me and showing me love from the beginning,” Thompson said in the video. “But after prayer, deep conversations with my family, and taking a hard look at where I can best grow as a player and a person, I’ve decided to commit to the University of Alabama.”
The announcement blindsided many Notre Dame fans and analysts, who considered Thompson one of the program’s most solid verbal commitments. He had publicly praised the Irish coaching staff, academic environment, and tradition. But in the end, Alabama’s consistent pipeline to the NFL, storied success under head coach Kalen DeBoer, and revamped defensive system proved too strong to pass up.
Alabama, still adjusting to life after Nick Saban, has made a statement with this flip. Coach DeBoer and his staff have been aggressive on the recruiting trail, and landing Thompson not only boosts their 2025 class but signals that Alabama remains a destination for elite talent.
“This is a big-time win for Bama,” said national recruiting analyst Brandon Lewis. “Thompson is a game-changer—physical, fast, instinctive. He has ‘Day 1 starter’ potential at the next level, and his commitment helps reestablish Alabama’s dominance on the defensive side of the ball.”
Michigan, Georgia, and Ohio State had all hosted Thompson on official visits this spring and were considered strong contenders should he waver on Notre Dame. Yet none were able to seal the deal. For Notre Dame, the loss is significant. Thompson was a centerpiece of what was shaping up to be one of the program’s best recruiting classes in recent memory.
Now, the Irish must regroup quickly to fill a massive hole in their defensive backfield plans. Meanwhile, Alabama’s stock continues to rise, reaffirming its place atop the college football food chain.
As the 2025 recruiting cycle intensifies, Thompson’s flip may just be the first domino in a wild summer. But one thing is clear: Alabama is far from done, and the race for supremacy in college football recruiting is heating up fast.
