Breaking News: Five-Star Prospect Ralph Ortiz Decommits and Chooses Alabama Over Tennessee and Michigan
, five-star defensive lineman Ralph Ortiz has decommitted from Tennessee and announced his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide. Ortiz, one of the most dominant prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, cited Alabama’s championship pedigree and player development as key factors in his decision.
Ortiz, a 6’5″, 285-pound force from Miami, Florida, is ranked among the top defensive linemen in the nation. Known for his explosive first step, relentless motor, and ability to disrupt both the run and pass game, he has been compared to NFL stars like Aaron Donald and Quinnen Williams.
“After much prayer and discussion with my family, I’ve decided to flip my commitment to Alabama,” Ortiz said in a statement. “Their tradition, coaching staff, and ability to prepare players for the NFL made this the best choice for my future. Roll Tide!”
Ortiz originally committed to Tennessee earlier this year, with Michigan also being a strong contender. However, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer and defensive line coach Freddie Roach played pivotal roles in swaying Ortiz to join the Crimson Tide.
The addition of Ortiz gives Alabama a significant boost in their 2026 recruiting class, which is already shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. His commitment further cements Alabama’s dominance in attracting top-tier talent and reinforces their defensive line as a cornerstone of the program’s success.
Ortiz’s flip comes as a major blow to Tennessee and Michigan, who had heavily recruited him. For Alabama, however, this is another key victory in their quest to maintain their status as a perennial championship contender.
Stay tuned as the Crimson Tide continue their relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the field.
