Alabama football loses commitment from 2025 5-star offensive tackle: Report

The Alabama Crimson Tide suffered a major recruiting loss with the decommitment of Ty Haywood, a five-star offensive tackle from the class of 2025. Haywood, a highly sought-after prospect from Denton, Texas, had committed to Alabama in July 2024, but he has now decided to reopen his recruitment. His decision significantly impacts Alabama’s future offensive line plans, shakes up national recruiting rankings, and creates an opportunity for other programs—most notably Michigan—to pursue him.

Who is Ty Haywood?

Ty Haywood is considered one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, he possesses the size, strength, and athleticism that make him a dominant force in the trenches.

According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Haywood is:

• The No. 20 overall prospect in the country
• The No. 4 offensive tackle in the class of 2025
• A five-star recruit with offers from top programs nationwide

Haywood’s combination of elite footwork, power, and blocking technique has made him a priority target for multiple Power Five programs. Before committing to Alabama, he had drawn significant interest from schools like Michigan, Texas, Ohio State, and LSU.

Why Did Haywood Decommit from Alabama?

Haywood’s decommitment comes at a crucial time for Alabama, as the team is undergoing coaching transitions and facing increased competition in recruiting. While he has not publicly stated a specific reason for his decision, multiple factors may have influenced his choice:

1. Coaching Uncertainty – Alabama’s offensive coaching staff has seen some turnover in recent months. Changes in coaching personnel can impact a recruit’s confidence in a program’s long-term vision.
2. Interest from Other Programs – Reports indicate that Michigan has made a strong push to flip Haywood’s commitment. The Wolverines have built a dominant offensive line culture in recent years, winning multiple Joe Moore Awards for the best offensive line unit in the country.
3. Personal Considerations – Some recruits change their minds as they take additional visits, build relationships with other coaching staffs, or reassess their fit within a particular program.

Regardless of the reason, Alabama now faces the challenge of replacing an elite offensive tackle prospect just months before National Signing Day.

Impact on Alabama’s Recruiting Class

Before Haywood’s decommitment, Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class was ranked No. 2 in the country. His departure has dropped the Crimson Tide down to No. 3 in national rankings, underscoring how much weight five-star recruits carry in class evaluations.

Alabama’s offensive line recruiting strategy now needs adjustments. The team has built a reputation for developing elite offensive linemen, sending players like Evan Neal, Jedrick Wills, and Alex Leatherwood to the NFL. Losing a talent like Haywood, however, disrupts the program’s depth chart planning.

Alabama still has commitments from highly rated offensive linemen in the 2025 class, but replacing a five-star talent is never easy. The coaching staff will likely shift its focus to other top recruits and may even explore transfer portal options to fill the void.

Is Michigan the Favorite to Land Haywood Now?

With Haywood back on the market, Michigan is now viewed as a strong contender for his commitment. The Wolverines have been one of the most dominant programs in college football over the past few years, particularly when it comes to developing offensive linemen.

Michigan has won three consecutive Big Ten titles and has established a culture that prioritizes offensive line play. Their recruitment pitch to Haywood likely focuses on:

• Development for the NFL – Michigan has sent multiple offensive linemen to the league in recent years, including Olusegun Oluwatimi, Ryan Hayes, and Zak Zinter.
• Winning Culture – With a national championship in 2024 and consistent College Football Playoff appearances, Michigan is an attractive destination for elite recruits.
• Early Playing Time – Haywood could have an opportunity to compete for a starting role early in his college career.

Other programs, such as Ohio State, Texas, and LSU, could also become serious contenders for Haywood’s commitment. However, as of now, Michigan appears to have the momentum.

How Alabama Can Recover from Haywood’s Decommitment

While losing a five-star recruit is a tough blow, Alabama is still one of the most dominant recruiting programs in the country. Here’s how the Crimson Tide can rebound:

1. Target Other Top Offensive Linemen – Alabama can shift its focus to other elite linemen who remain uncommitted. The 2025 class still features several four- and five-star offensive tackles who could fill the gap.
2. Utilize the Transfer Portal – The transfer portal has become a key tool for teams looking to add experienced players. Alabama could bring in an immediate-impact lineman from another program to reinforce its offensive front.
3. Rebuild the Relationship with Haywood – Sometimes, recruits decommit but later reconsider their original choice. Alabama’s coaching staff could continue recruiting Haywood, ensuring he keeps the Crimson Tide as an option.

Alabama remains a premier destination for offensive linemen, and while losing Haywood stings, the program still has plenty of talent and recruiting power to remain competitive.

What This Means for College Football Recruiting

Haywood’s decommitment is another example of how fluid modern college football recruiting has become. With the rise of NIL deals, the transfer portal, and coaching changes, commitments are far less permanent than they used to be.

Players now have more freedom than ever to explore different opportunities, making it essential for programs to maintain strong relationships with their recruits even after they commit. Alabama is no stranger to these challenges and has successfully navigated recruiting losses in the past.

For fans, this situation serves as a reminder that recruiting battles don’t end when a player commits—they last until signing day. With months to go before Haywood officially signs with a program, his recruitment will continue to be a major storyline.

Final Thoughts

Ty Haywood’s decommitment is a significant development in the 2025 recruiting cycle. His decision impacts not only Alabama but also the broader landscape of college football recruiting.

For Alabama, this is a setback, but not an insurmountable one. The Crimson Tide remain a powerhouse program with the ability to reload and adjust. Their next steps will be crucial in determining how they address this loss and ensure they maintain a strong offensive line class.

For Haywood, this decision opens the door for other programs—most notably Michigan—to make a strong push for his services. His next move will be closely watched, as he remains one of the most talented offensive linemen in the country.

With National Signing Day still months away, the Ty Haywood sweepstakes are far from over. Alabama, Michigan, and other top programs will continue competing for his commitment, making this one of the most intriguing recruiting stories to follow in the 2025 cycle.