Kalen DeBoer's Alabama loses commitment of 2026 class 4-star CB Jamarrion Gordon to UCF

By Maliha

Modified Jul 27, 2024 11:33 GMT

Four-star cornerback Jamarrion Gordon from Jackson High School in Alabama has flipped his commitment from Alabama to UCF. He originally committed to Alabama on May 18, selecting the Crimson Tide over several top programs, including Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, Florida, Michigan, Penn State and Tennessee.

Gordon expressed to 247Sports that his decision was heavily influenced by the strong connection he felt with Kalen DeBoer's coaching staff and the bond they had formed with his family.

But Gordon's journey took a new direction after visiting UCF. He toured the campus last month and returned for the annual Knight Splash event, which ultimately swayed his decision to pledge his future to the Knights.

Gordon's decommitment is a notable loss for Alabama, as he was their first commitment for the 2026 class. Following his departure, Alabama's only commit for the 2026 class is now four-star cornerback Dorian Barney, who announced his commitment on May 19. The 2026 recruiting cycle still has 17 months remaining until next year's early signing period.

However, Alabama can take solace in its strong 2025 class, which currently holds the second-ranked position nationally according to 247Sports, boasting 22 hard commitments.

For UCF, Gordon's commitment marks a big win in their recruiting efforts, as he became the second 2026 pledge, joining wide receiver Keeyun Chapman. UCF's 2026 class now has 19 commits and is currently ranked 24th nationally.

Jamarrion Gordon shares the reason behind his flip from Alabama to UCF

Being an Alabama native, the Crimson Tide seemed the best option for Jamarrion Gordon when he committed to the program, so his flip to UCF was a surprise. In a phone interview with The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Gordon explained his reasons behind this unexpected move.

"I believe in (cornerbacks coach Trovon) Reed and (head coach) Gus (Malzahn). believe they will put me in the NFL. … Coach Reed did it before, and he already knows what I'm trying to do and what I'm going through."

According to On3, Jamarrion Gordon is the No. 205 overall recruit in the country, the No. 21 cornerback and the No. 9 prospect in Alabama. 247Sports places him as the No. 30 cornerback in the class and the No. 13 prospect in the state.

During his junior season, Gordon helped his high school achieve an 11-1 record, advancing to the second round of Alabama's Class 4A playoffs. Over his two varsity seasons, he has accumulated 72 tackles, three tackles for loss and two interceptions, alongside 10 pass breakups.