College Football World Reacts to Shocking Alabama, Kalen DeBoer News

The Alabama Crimson Tide and head coach Kalen DeBoer are celebrating a huge recruiting win on Tuesday. They were able to flip four-star quarterback Jett Thomalla from Iowa State and give themselves a potential long-term piece of the future.

Thomalla, who hails from Omaha, is one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. He had originally committed to the Cyclones back on April 18, 2025.

He made his decision to commit to Alabama on Tuesday, sparking a huge reaction from the college football world.

Right now, 247 Sports has Thomalla listed as the No. 15 overall quarterback prospect in the 2026 class. He is also ranked No. 234 in the nation and No. 1 in the state of Nebraska.

Hayes Fawcett of On3 Sports was the first to report about Thomalla's decision to commit to the Crimson Tide.

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer.

Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Fans did not waste time jumping into the comments section of Fawcett's report to share their reactions to the major recruiting news.

"Why? Iowa State is on the rise and Alabama is on the decline," one fan wrote.

Another fan commented, "Because there is a more likelihood of playing time when a blue blood team is on the decline."

"We're never on a decline. 9 wins being our worst season is most people's best season," a third comment said.

A fourth comment read, "Wise choice young man."

"DEBOER GETS WHO HE WANTS," a fifth comment stated.

Needless to say, this is tough news for Iowa State. As for Alabama and DeBoer, it's a big win that could help turn the program back into a contender in years to come.