Alabama included in finalists for 2025 5-star running back

One of the Alabama Crimson Tide’s top remaining uncommitted targets has officially narrowed his list of finalists, as highly-touted running back Akylin Dear announced his top three schools Thursday afternoon.

Alongside the Crimson Tide, Dear also included both the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Ole Miss Rebels, as well as set a commitment date of August 20.

Dear is currently ranked as the nation’s No. 31 overall prospect according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, as well as the No. 2 running back in the country. A five-star prospect, Dear is also the No. 3 player in Mississippi for the 2025 cycle where he attends Quitman High School.

The five-star was also previously committed to Ole Miss, but decommitted from the Rebels back in late-June to re-open his recruitment.

Alabama already holds two commitments from the state of Mississippi in this cycle with five-star wide receiver Caleb Cunningham and three-star defensive lineman London Simmons. Could they potentially make it three with Dear?