Alabama football adds second 2026 quarterback commit. What it means
Tayden Kaawa, a four-star quarterback out of Honolulu, Hawaii, committed to Alabama July 22, picking the Crimson Tide over BYU and Boise State. He joins 2026 quarterback Jett Thomalla, who flipped his commitment from Iowa State, in the Crimson Tide's recruiting class.
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Kaawa, Alabama's 20th commit in the 2026 recruiting class, is the No. 351 player and the No. 26 quarterback in the country per 247Sports' composite rankings.
Kaawa reported an Alabama offer June 11 before reportedly holding an official visit with the Crimson Tide June 20-22.
With Kaawa and Thomalla, Alabama has its first recruiting class with multiple quarterbacks since 2023 when the Crimson Tide signed both Eli Holstein and Dylan Lonergan. Both quarterbacks later transferred.
Kaawa and Thomalla are two of 10 Alabama offensive commits in 2026 joining players like running back Ezavier Crowell, tight end Mack Sutter and wide receiver Cederian Morgan.
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Kaawa would be Alabama's first Hawaiian signee since Tua Tagovailoa.
What Tayden Kaawa commitment means for Alabama football
Alabama is adding depth to a room that has really no room for error heading into 2025.
Heading into its 2025 opener against Florida State, Alabama has Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell. That's three scholarship quarterback options in a room where the Crimson Tide would rather have at least one more.
With Kaawa, the Crimson Tide adds another development piece, one who fits the bill for what Alabama wants in a signal caller.
Standing at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, the Orem High School quarterback had 3,280 passing yards, 318 rushing yards and 35 total touchdowns as a junior.
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Heading into 2026, Alabama could have question marks when it comes to who is behind center. But Kaawa is another piece to ensure that the Crimson Tide has succession plan moving forward.
Alabama football 2026 recruiting class
Zyan Gibson: Four-star cornerback, Gadsden, Alabama
Chris Booker: Four-star offensive lineman, Atlanta, Georgia
Jamarion Matthews: Four-star defensive end, Gainesville, Georgia
Jorden Edmonds: Five-star cornerback, Marietta, Georgia
Kamhariyan Johnson: Four-star defensive end, Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Sam Utu: Four-star offensive lineman, Orange, California
Jett Thomalla: Four-star quarterback, Omaha, Nebraska
JJ Finch: Three-star defensive lineman, Indianapolis, Indiana
Javari Barnett: Three-star running back, Tampa, Florida
Rihyael Kelley: Three-star safety, Cincinnati, Ohio
Ezavier Crowell: Four-star running back, Jackson, Alabama
Mack Sutter: Four-star tight end, Dunlap, Illinois
Zay Hall: Three-star linebacker, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Xavier Griffin: Five-star linebacker, Gainesville, Georgia
Owen Cabell: Three-star wide receiver, Nashville, Tennessee
Brian Williams: Three-star wide receiver, Orlando, Florida
Cederian Morgan: Five-star wide receiver, Alexander City, Alabama
Nolan Wilson: Four-star defensive lineman, Picayune, Mississippi
Jireh Edwards: Five-star safety, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: 2026 QB Tayden Kaawa commits to Alabama football. What it means
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