Alabama Set to Host Elite Five-Star Pass-Rusher Anthony ‘Tank’ Jones: Crimson Tide Locked in Fierce Recruiting Battle with Auburn for Top In-State Talent
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The summer recruiting wars in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) are heating up, and one of the most sought-after names in the 2026 recruiting class is about to take center stage. Anthony “Tank” Jones, the elite five-star pass-rusher from Mobile, Alabama, has officially announced his five summer visit destinations — and the Alabama Crimson Tide made the cut.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 235 pounds, Jones is a dominant force on the edge. He is widely regarded as one of the top-two overall prospects in the state of Alabama and is ranked among the top defensive players nationally. His rare blend of size, speed, strength, and explosive instincts off the line have made him a coveted target for powerhouse programs across the country.
But this recruiting battle is shaping up to be a classic in-state SEC showdown: Alabama vs. Auburn.
A Homegrown Star in the Spotlight
Jones, who has already earned the nickname “Tank” for his relentless motor and punishing play style, is set to begin his official visit tour this weekend at Auburn. But perhaps the most telling stop on his summer tour will come later when he steps onto the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
While Auburn has made a strong push and was the first visit locked in, Alabama has quietly and strategically laid the groundwork for months. According to sources close to the recruitment, the Crimson Tide’s coaching staff — particularly new defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and outside linebackers coach Christian Robinson — have been relentless in their pursuit of the star pass-rusher.
Jones has previously praised both coaches, citing Wommack’s defensive philosophy and Robinson’s energy and approach as key reasons why Alabama is squarely in the mix.
“Coach Robinson never lets up — he’s constantly checking in and pushing me to be better,” Jones said in a spring interview. “Coach Wommack, he really sees me as a game-changer in his system.”
An SEC Arms Race for Defensive Firepower
With Jones preparing to narrow down his list even further after his summer visits, the upcoming weeks could define the future of one of the most impactful defenders in the 2026 class. In addition to Auburn and Alabama, the other programs on Jones’ visit list include Georgia, Texas, and LSU — a who’s who of SEC heavyweights.
Still, insiders believe Alabama has a unique edge: the in-state familiarity, the defensive scheme fit, and a winning tradition that has produced multiple first-round edge rushers over the last decade.
What Alabama Offers ‘Tank’ Jones
The Crimson Tide are pitching more than just prestige. Under the leadership of new head coach Kalen DeBoer, the Alabama program has reloaded with elite recruiters and a refreshed defensive identity under Wommack. Jones would be a cornerstone piece of that new era.
With Alabama’s defensive line in transition following the departure of several veterans to the NFL, Jones is seen as a potential early-impact player. The coaching staff is not only offering playing time, but also long-term development under a proven NFL pipeline.
