Hawaii-Native Quarterback Commits to Alabama

The Crimson Tide has added a second quarterback to its 2026 recruiting class, with Hawaii-native Tayden Kaawa joining four-star quarterback Jett Thomalla in the 2026 Alabama recruiting class.

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Kaawa, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound quarterback from Honolulu, Hawaii, chose the Crimson Tide over Oregon and Hawaii, among others. Kaawa only took one official visit, according to On3 Sports, visiting Tuscaloosa on June 20 during the Tide's final recruiting weekend of the Summer.

According to the 247 composite rankings, Kaawa is ranked as the No. 368 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class and the No. 25 quarterback.

As a junior in 2024, Kaawa played in 12 games, completing 64% of his passes for 2,890 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also accumulated 318 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. The Crimson Tide offered Kaawa late in the recruiting cycle on June 11.

Kaawa's commitment shouldn't worry Crimson Tide fans about four-star quarterback Jett Thomalla. Alabama is expected to take two quarterbacks in the 2026 recruiting class to bolster the depth on the roster for the future.

Kaawa's commitment now gives Alabama the No. 4 recruiting class, according to the 247 Class Rankings. Kaawa has transferred to Orem High School in Utah ahead of his senior season of high school football.

Alabama's 2026 Recruiting Class now consists of:

5-Star LB Xavier Griffn
5-Star WR Cederian Morgan
5-Star DB Jorden Edmonds
5-Star DB Jireh Edwards
4-Star DB Zyan Gibson
4-Star RB Ezavier Crowell
4-Star TE Mack Sutter
4-Star DL Nolan Wilson
4-Star OL Sam Utu
4-Star QB Jett Thomalla
4-Star EDGE Jamarion Matthews
4-Star OL Chris Booker
3-Star DL Kamhariyan Johnson
3-Star DL JJ Finch
3-Star DB Rihyael Kelley
3-Star WR Brian Williams
3-Star LB Zay Hall
3-Star RB Javari Barnett
3-Star WR Owen Cabell
3-Star QB Tayden Kaawa

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.