Alabama football’s recent history of great defensive backs is unparalleled. On Saturday, the Crimson Tide might have found the next one.

Five-star safety Jireh Edwards committed to the Crimson Tide as part of the 2026 recruiting class, he told Rivals. Edwards is listed as the No. 2 safety in the class by 247Sports’ composite rankings, which have him as the No. 23 player overall in the group.

“Owns a college-ready build with some promising features and tested off the charts spring before junior year,” 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote in his assessment of Edwards. “Spent much of his 11th-grade campaign deployed as an oversized slot and did nothing but make plays for one of the nation’s top prep defenses. Triggers downhill in the snap of a finger and frequently arrives with violence.

“Comfortable crashing gaps, but is also effective in the alley as he uses sharp angles to get ball carriers on the ground. Instinctive in coverage and can match and mirror underneath routes with his lateral agility. Will take some chances when defending the pass, but unsuspecting length can bail him out.”

Edwards plays his high school football at St. Francis Academy in Maryland. He participated in the 2025 Under Armour All-America game.

The 6-foot-2, 194-pound safety over two other finalists, Auburn and Georgia. He became the first safety to join Alabama’s 2026 class.

The Crimson Tide’s recruiting started out the offseason slow, but has reached its typical form since midway through June. UA’s 2026 group is now among the top 10 in the nation according to major recruiting services.