In a seismic shift that reverberated across the college football recruiting landscape, Jett Thomalla, the highly coveted four-star quarterback from Millard South High School in Omaha, Nebraska, has announced his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide. Thomalla, a consensus top-15 quarterback in the Class of 2026, stunned the recruiting world by flipping his pledge from the Iowa State Cyclones to Head Coach Kalen DeBoer’s program, a decision that solidifies Alabama’s future at the sport’s most pivotal position.
The news, confirmed exclusively to ESPN on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, marks a monumental victory for Alabama’s new coaching staff and a significant blow to Iowa State, which had secured Thomalla’s commitment just two months prior. For Thomalla, the decision was agonizing but ultimately clear, rooted in a vision for development, an elite competitive environment, and a profound comfort with the coaching staff in Tuscaloosa.
“This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” Thomalla shared with ESPN shortly after informing both coaching staffs. “Iowa State and Coach Campbell run an incredible program, and I’ll always be grateful for the belief they showed in me. But when Alabama came into the picture, it opened my eyes to an opportunity that I couldn’t ignore. After a lot of prayer and talking with my family, I knew Tuscaloosa was where I needed to be to chase my ultimate dreams.”
The Thomalla Saga: A Whirlwind Recruitment Culminating in Tuscaloosa
Jett Thomalla, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound pro-style quarterback, emerged as one of the most intriguing signal-caller prospects in the 2026 class following a stellar junior season at Millard South. He led the Patriots to a 12-1 record and a Nebraska Class A state championship, the school’s first in 15 years. His junior year statistics were eye-popping: 250 completions on 359 attempts (69.6% completion rate) for 3,663 passing yards, 47 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. He also added 76 rushing yards and a touchdown on 41 carries, earning him the MaxPreps Nebraska Player of the Year award. His film showcased a strong arm, impressive accuracy, and excellent pocket presence, making him a magnet for top collegiate programs.
Thomalla initially committed to Iowa State on April 18, a significant win for Coach Matt Campbell’s program, which prides itself on developing overlooked talent into NFL prospects. Thomalla cited strong relationships with Coach Campbell and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jake Waters as key factors in his initial decision. At the time, he felt Ames was “home” and appreciated Iowa State’s track record of producing NFL quarterbacks like Brock Purdy, who weren’t necessarily five-star recruits.
However, the recruiting landscape is ever-changing, and the allure of college football’s most dominant dynasty proved too powerful to resist. On May 15, Alabama extended a scholarship offer to Thomalla, a move that immediately signaled a potential seismic shift. Despite his commitment to Iowa State, Thomalla, after consulting with his family, decided to take an unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa on May 30. This visit, his first to the Crimson Tide campus, proved to be a game-changer.
“It exceeded expectations,” Thomalla told reporters after his Alabama visit. “My parents and I had some pretty high expectations going into it, but it for sure lived up to it, if not over the top with all of it. It was a great visit, overall.” He returned to Ames for a previously scheduled official visit with Iowa State on June 6-8, a testament to his respect for the Cyclones’ staff and program, but the seeds of doubt had already been planted. The momentum from Tuscaloosa was undeniable, and within days of his Iowa State official, Thomalla made his final, pivotal decision.
My Reasons for Choosing Alabama: Thomalla’s Path to Tuscaloosa
In an exclusive interview with ESPN, Jett Thomalla elaborated on the critical factors that led him to flip his commitment to the Crimson Tide. His rationale provides a fascinating glimpse into the minds of elite recruits in the modern era of college football.
1. The Unparalleled Path to NFL Development: “My ultimate goal is to play in college football, obviously, and my dream is to go to the NFL,” Thomalla stated emphatically. “That is what was kind of their main thing. Alabama can really develop you. If you come here, you will have a higher chance to go to the NFL. That was one of the big things they would say to me.”
This focus on NFL development is a cornerstone of Alabama’s pitch to every recruit, and for quarterbacks, the proof is in the pudding. While Nick Saban built a legacy of sending talent to the league, Coach Kalen DeBoer, with his offensive pedigree and success at Washington (developing Michael Penix Jr. into a Heisman finalist and NFL draft pick), presented a fresh, yet equally compelling, blueprint. Thomalla was shown detailed plans for his growth, from strength and conditioning to film study and on-field drills, all designed to prepare him for the professional ranks. The detailed, personalized pathway to NFL readiness, combined with Alabama’s unparalleled track record, created an undeniable advantage.
2. The Kalen DeBoer Effect and Coaching Comfort: “I am really comfortable with all of the [Alabama coaches],” Thomalla explained. “I am comfortable with Coach Sheridan [presumably Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb’s replacement or a key offensive assistant] and Coach Grubb [if he remained, or a direct reference to his scheme]. Pretty much everyone there is cool.”
The transition from a legendary coach like Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer was a major storyline in college football. However, DeBoer and his staff have quickly proven their ability to recruit and connect with prospects. For Thomalla, the comfort level with Alabama’s offensive coaches was paramount. He saw an offensive scheme that could maximize his talents, featuring a high-powered passing attack that aligns perfectly with his abilities. The stability of a clear coaching vision and the genuine relationships he built during his visits were crucial.
Iowa State’s staff, particularly Coach Campbell and Coach Waters, had also built strong bonds with Thomalla, which made the decision agonizing. But the new energy and specific plan presented by DeBoer’s staff ultimately resonated more profoundly.
3. The Culture of Elite Competition and Accountability: “When you go to Alabama, you know you’re going to be pushed every single day,” Thomalla acknowledged. “You’re competing against the best players in the country in practice, and you’re playing against the best teams in the SEC on Saturdays. That kind of environment forces you to elevate your game. I want to be challenged. I want to be in a place where iron sharpens iron.”
The Crimson Tide’s commitment to excellence and its relentless pursuit of championships appealed to Thomalla’s competitive spirit. The program’s standard is not just to win, but to dominate, and every player who steps on campus understands the level of accountability required. This culture of high performance, combined with the prospect of competing for national championships year in and year out, was a powerful draw that few other programs can replicate. For a player who just led his high school team to a state title, the desire to achieve similar success at the highest collegiate level was a driving force.
4. The NIL Factor and Program Support: While not explicitly stated as a primary reason for his flip, the backdrop of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) certainly played a role in the broader landscape of Alabama’s recruitment. Alabama, under Coach DeBoer, has shown significant prowess in the NIL space. According to On3, Alabama and DeBoer are estimated to have raised $15.9 million in NIL funds for the 2025 season, significantly higher than Iowa State’s estimated $7.5 million. This financial backing ensures that Alabama can offer competitive NIL opportunities, attracting and retaining top talent. While Thomalla’s decision was about more than just money, the assurance of strong NIL support and robust resources for athletes underscores the holistic package Alabama can provide.
5. The SEC Stage: “Playing in the SEC is the ultimate test,” Thomalla said. “It’s the toughest conference, week in and week out. Every game is a battle. To compete against that level of talent consistently, that’s what prepares you for the next level.”
The move to the Southeastern Conference, where Alabama is a perennial contender, provides Thomalla with the opportunity to showcase his skills on the biggest stage in college football. The high-stakes matchups, the national television exposure, and the intense fanbases across the SEC offer an unparalleled proving ground.
Ramifications: A Blow to Iowa State, a Boom for Alabama
For Iowa State, Thomalla’s flip is a considerable setback. He was not just a four-star quarterback; he was the highest-rated commit in their 2026 class and a cornerstone around whom they hoped to build. His commitment had been a symbol of the Cyclones’ rising aspirations under Matt Campbell, indicating their ability to attract elite talent even from outside their traditional recruiting footprint. Losing a player of Thomalla’s caliber, particularly at the quarterback position, forces Iowa State to quickly regroup and pivot their recruiting efforts for the 2026 class.
For Alabama, the commitment is a resounding success. Thomalla becomes the seventh commitment in the Crimson Tide’s 2026 class and their first at the quarterback position, providing a crucial building block for their future offensive schemes under Coach DeBoer. The flip adds significant momentum to a class that is already ranked among the nation’s best. Thomalla’s talent, combined with his leadership qualities demonstrated by leading his high school team to a state championship, makes him an ideal fit for the Crimson Tide’s demanding program.
His commitment also signals that Kalen DeBoer and his staff are fully capable of navigating the high-stakes world of SEC recruiting, competing for and landing elite prospects against formidable opponents. It validates their recruiting strategy and their ability to sell a vision for the future of Alabama football that resonates with the nation’s top high school talent.
As Jett Thomalla prepares for the Elite 11 Finals at the end of June, he will do so as an Alabama Crimson Tide commit, donning the colors of a program synonymous with excellence. His decision is a powerful reminder that in the ever-evolving landscape of college football recruiting, while relationships and loyalty matter, the allure of elite development, unparalleled competition, and a clear path to professional dreams often prove to be the ultimate deciding factors. The Crimson Tide has secured its quarterback of the future, and the rest of the college football world is on notice.
