Alabama Football recruiting updates on defensive line targets Nolan Wilson and JJ Finch following their official visits this weekend. Rivals’ National recruiting director Adam Gorney predicts Alabama will land 5-Star safety Jireh Edwards before his official visit on June 6th. Matt Ponatoski, a 2026 Alabama quarterback target, has also scheduled official visits to Alabama and Oregon, as well as dropped a top four school list.
Jireh Edwards Recruiting Profile: Class of 2026
Star rating: 5
Overall rank: #24
Position Ranking: #3 (S).
State Ranking: #3 (MD)
Commitment Date: July 5th.
According to Adam Gorney (Rivals), Jireh Edwards’ weekend visit to Auburn may have elevated the Tigers to the top of his list. However, Alabama currently leads Oregon, with Georgia rounding out the top three. Some believe Texas A&M still has a chance here, but by all accounts, the Crimson Tide are the team to beat. If there is a threat to Alabama right now, it is the Ducks, and if that coaching staff takes it a step further with the Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances standout, things might get interesting. If he were to make his decision today, it would be surprising if Edwards did not choose Alabama.”
Matt Ponatoski’s recruiting profile:
Class: 2026.
Star rating: 4
Overall ranking: No. 278
Position Ranking: #21 (QB).
State Ranking: #12 (Ohio)
Matt Ponatoski’s achievements include: 2024 Ohio Mr. Football and 2024 Gatorade Ohio Football Player of the Year (2024 MaxPreps) and 2025 Gatorade Ohio baseball POTY: State Championship Appearance
Matt Ponatoski’s top four schools include Alabama (June 6-8).
Kentucky
Arkansas – Oregon (June 20th)
Matt Ponatoski discusses his upcoming official visit to Alabama, stating that he hopes to observe how the coaches approach both sports. I believe Alabama is truly all about it. Coach (Nick) Sheridan and coach (Ryan) Grubb’s main focus is ‘we know you can do both here and we want you to do both here’, so they’re feeling out the situation everywhere. Getting a feel for the baseball coaches and how they feel about me playing both sports. I’m really excited to get there and see what the atmosphere and energy are like, and whether they fit what I’m looking for.”
Alabama DL Targets | Recruiting Profile:
JJ Finch: 2026, 3-star, 445 OVR, #50 (DL), #2 (IN)
Nolan Wilson: 2026, 4-Star, #56 OVR, #6 (DL), and #3 (MS).
Nolan Wilson’s official visits include Alabama (completed).
Auburn (June 6), Ole Miss (June 13), and Miami (June 20).
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