Alabama is making a decision that could cost them their shot to beat out Tennessee for an elite 5-star recruit

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Vols are locked in to a battle for a 2026 five-star recruit.

Alabama, however, made a decision this week that could ensure that Tennessee wins the battle.

According to Rivals.com's Sam Spiegelman, Alabama and Tennessee are believed to be the top two options for 2026 five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class.

Brandon, 6-foot-4/197 lbs, is from Greensboro, NC (the same hometown as former Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker).

"Rivals believes this decision will ultimately come down to Alabama or Tennessee," noted Rivals.com recruiting Spiegelman this week about the battle for Brandon.

Brandon is set to announce his commitment on August 3.

And ahead of his commitment, Alabama is hosting 2026 five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, the No. 3 overall quarterback in the nation.

Lyons, who is from California, will visit Alabama on Saturday and Sunday (he'll also check out Texas, Auburn, and Ole Miss).

The fact that Alabama is hosting another big-time quarterback recruit just days before Brandon is set to announce his commitment seemingly sends the message that the Crimson Tide aren't all in on the North Carolina native.

Tennessee, meanwhile, has essentially put all of their attention on Brandon. He's without a doubt their top target in the 2026 class.

The fact that Tennessee was one of the first programs to show interest in Brandon ( something that's stood out to him during the recruiting process), combined with the news that Alabama is hosting another elite quarterback recruit, should mean that the Vols have a healthy chance of landing the elite signal caller.

Anything can happen in recruiting, but Alabama's signal to Brandon that they still have eyes for other elite quarterbacks just as he's about to announce his commitment seems like a terrible strategic move by the Crimson Tide staff. It's either that or they realize they don't actually have a good chance to land Brandon and they're keeping their options open.

Either way, it's a good sign for the Vols. It's hard to see Brandon committing to Alabama on August 3 when the program is hosting another elite quarterback just a couple of days before his big announcement.

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