4-Star Alabama Commit Hoping to Visit Heated SEC Rival

4-Star Alabama Commit Hoping to Visit Heated SEC Rival originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Alabama Crimson Tide has received two commitments in the 2027 recruiting class, with one coming from athlete Alexander Ward out of Marietta, Georgia.

With Rivals Industry Rankings placing him as a four-star recruit, the No. 6 athlete and the No. 180 player in the nation, he's a big addition for head coach Kalen DeBoer.

However, in today's era of college football, a potential flip is always a possibility, and that's something Alabama may need to start preventing with Ward.

Other Teams Making a Run at Ward

While talking to Rivals' John Garcia Jr., the athlete admitted, "Other schools see it as a challenge, and I’m still being pushed for. Tennessee, Kentucky, UAB, Kansas State, Florida State are some of the schools still calling.

However, as long as the interest between Ward and other programs isn't mutual, Alabama shouldn't have anything to worry about. Unfortunately for DeBoer, though, it's clear that's not the case.

In fact, Ward revealed his hopes of potentially visiting another team within the SEC, saying, "I’m going to try to go out to Tennessee."

Nothing is officially scheduled yet, but Alabama could be in a vulnerable position to not only lose one of the nation's top recruits but also to one of its biggest rivals.

Ward Looking to Play Both Ways

After the dominance of Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter, players looking to play consistently on both defense and offense at the collegiate level have become more common.

Ward is one recruit who may be looking to do the same, previously telling Rivals' EJ Holland that he had interest in the Michigan Wolverines because "They let their players play on both sides."

Last year for Walton High School, playing defensive back and wide receiver, he racked up nine receptions, 152 yards, two touchdowns, 18 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions and one pass deflection.

Related: Texas at Risk of Losing Nation's No. 2 RB to ACC Powerhouse

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.