“BLOCKBUSTER RECRUITING SHAKEUP: Four-Star QB Jett Thomalla Flips from Iowa State to Alabama—A Home-State Talent from Omaha Opts for Crimson Tide Over Cyclones, Reinforcing Tide’s 2026 Class Amid Portentous Cornerstone for QB Room”
TUSCALOOSA, AL — In a headline-making decision, four-star quarterback Jett Thomalla, a record-setting talent from Omaha, Nebraska, has flipped his commitment from Iowa State to Alabama, choosing the Crimson Tide after originally pledging to the Cyclones in April. The news, first confirmed by On3 Sports and then detailed in an ESPN report, represents a major recruiting coup for Alabama and a significant blow to Iowa State’s 2026 class .
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🌟 A Profile of Prominence: Why Thomalla Is Graded Four-Star
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Thomalla is currently ranked as ESPN’s No. 18 quarterback prospect in the class of 2026, and holds the distinction of being Nebraska’s top-rated recruit . As a junior at Omaha’s Millard South High School, he led the team to a 12–1 record and Class A state championship, shattering state passing records with 3,663 yards and 47 touchdowns .
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🔁 The Flip: From Cyclones to Tide
April Commitment: Thomalla verbally pledged to Iowa State in April, drawn by the promise of early playing time and a solid offensive development environment .
Alabama’s Offer & Visit: On May 15, Alabama extended a scholarship, and a subsequent campus visit in early June — including meetings with Kalen DeBoer, OC Ryan Grubb, and QB coach Nick Sheridan — convinced Thomalla to make the switch .
He told ESPN, “My dream is the NFL… I know I can develop there. Those coaches can be really good for my process of becoming the best quarterback I can be,” signaling his high aspirations and confidence in Alabama’s QB infrastructure .
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🏆 What This Means for Alabama’s 2026 QB Room
Thomalla will become the second quarterback commit in Alabama’s 2026 class, joining five-star dual-threat Keelon Russell from the 2025 cycle . Standing at 6 years old, his addition provides depth at the position and continues Alabama’s trend of stacking quarterback talent in DeBoer’s system.
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🧭 Implications for Iowa State’s Class
Iowa State, which had been building a promising 2026 roster, now faces a void at the quarterback position. Losing a home-state signal-caller of Thomalla’s caliber underscores the competitive nature of recruiting, especially in the NIL and portal era, where higher-profile programs can swiftly pivot a recruit’s trajectory .
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🏟️ Recruiting Ripple Effects Across the HGHLanding Zone
Thomalla’s flip highlights several recruiting trends:
1. Brand Power & NFL Pipeline: Alabama’s proven ability to develop professional quarterbacks played a key role.
2. Pitching Relationships: High-touch engagements from DeBoer and his staff remain a persuasive force.
3. Recruit Movement in the Portal Era: Verbal commitments are no longer final until the NLI is signed, allowing program pivots late in cycles .
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📅 Next Steps for Thomalla
Summer Transition: Following his commitment, Thomalla is expected to officially sign during the early December National Signing Period.
Early Enrollment? Though yet to be confirmed, he could join Alabama’s spring 2026 practice group, if academically possible.
Quarterback Depth Chart: His rise through offseason conditioning and summer workouts will clarify where he sits relative to Russell and any incoming transfers.
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✍️ Final Take
With a booming arm, proven production, and national-level pedigree, Jett Thomalla’s flip to Alabama sends a clear message: the Crimson Tide remain supreme in quarterback recruitment. Meanwhile, Iowa State must now regroup at the position—but with Tracers still in motion, recruiting drama remains. For Alabama, it’s a defining win; for the college football world, it’s another reminder that the elite programs still hold the power to reshape high-profile recruiting classes, even late in the game.
**Roll Tide — and watch for Jett Thomalla on the Tuscaloosa QB depth chart next season.**
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