Top Alabama Crimson Tide recruit makes official visit to Ole Miss football program.

Akylin Dear, a standout running back from Quitman, Mississippi, has been a focal point in the 2025 college football recruiting cycle. Initially committing to Ole Miss, Dear’s recruitment took several turns before he ultimately pledged to the Alabama Crimson Tide. This article delves into his recruitment journey, highlighting key visits, coaching influences, and the factors that led to his decision.

**Early Recruitment and Commitment to Ole Miss**

Dear’s recruitment began to gain momentum following a stellar junior season where he amassed over 2,000 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. His performance earned him second-team All-State honors and an invitation to the 2025 Under Armour All-America Game. On March 30, 2024, Dear committed to Ole Miss, becoming a cornerstone of Lane Kiffin’s 2025 recruiting class. His decision was influenced by the opportunity to stay close to home and play for the in-state program. He expressed, “It was a difficult \[decision] because there was a lot of places to go play at… But I’m from Mississippi, ya know? It’s great to be staying home. Ain’t anything better than the ‘Sip” .

**Decommitment and Reevaluation**

Despite his initial commitment, Dear began to have reservations about his choice. On June 28, 2024, he decommitted from Ole Miss, citing a lack of the “sense of home” he was seeking . This decision came amid a series of late-June decommitments from the Rebels’ 2025 class. Dear mentioned feeling overwhelmed and tired of the recruitment process, prompting him to reevaluate his options .([africa.espn.com][2], [espn.com][4])

**Official Visits and Interest from Other Programs**

Following his decommitment, Dear took official visits to Florida and Alabama. These visits allowed him to explore other programs and assess their fit. He did not take official visits to Ole Miss or Mississippi State during the summer before making his final decision .

**Commitment to Alabama**

In July 2024, Dear returned to Tuscaloosa for Alabama’s Champions Cook-Out. The visit solidified his connection with the Crimson Tide coaching staff, particularly running backs coach Robert Gillespie and head coach Kalen DeBoer. Dear expressed that the visit “felt like home,” citing the coaching staff’s belief in his abilities and the program’s tradition of developing NFL-caliber running backs .

Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 200 pounds, Dear is considered a true three-down back with the physical, athletic, and technical ability to contribute immediately at the collegiate level. He possesses strong between-the-tackles running skills, excellent agility, and the top-end speed to break long runs. Additionally, Dear is a capable pass catcher, making him a versatile asset in any offensive scheme .

Akylin Dear’s recruitment journey underscores the complexities and challenges faced by top-tier recruits. His decision to decommit from Ole Miss and ultimately commit to Alabama reflects a thorough evaluation of his options and a desire to find the best fit for his collegiate and professional aspirations. As he prepares to join the Crimson Tide, Dear’s commitment adds depth and talent to Alabama’s already impressive 2025 recruiting class.

Akylin Dear’s commitment to Alabama represents more than just the addition of a top-ranked running back; it sends a message to the college football world. Alabama’s recruiting under new head coach Kalen DeBoer continues to show strength and resilience despite recent staff transitions and competition from SEC rivals. With Dear in the fold, the Tide’s 2025 class solidifies its standing as one of the best in the nation.

Dear is ranked as the No. 2 running back in the nation and one of the top 25 overall players in the 2025 cycle according to multiple scouting services, including 247Sports and ESPN. His commitment gives Alabama a marquee offensive weapon who could contribute as early as his freshman year. In a recruiting cycle where Georgia, Texas, and Florida State have aggressively pursued top-tier backs, Alabama’s ability to land Dear reinforces its standing as a premier destination for elite talent.

Additionally, Dear’s recruitment helps Alabama with momentum. Top recruits often influence others, particularly when a player of Dear’s caliber makes a high-profile decision. His pledge could open the door for further commitments from elite offensive linemen and wide receivers who want to play alongside a dynamic backfield threat.

—

### **Ole Miss’ Missed Opportunity**

For Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss, losing Akylin Dear was a significant blow. As a home-state product and one-time verbal commit, Dear was seen as a centerpiece of the Rebels’ 2025 class. His early commitment was a major win for Ole Miss, symbolizing the program’s growing ability to compete for top regional talent.

However, recruiting is never over until a player signs his National Letter of Intent. Despite efforts from Kiffin and the Ole Miss staff, Dear’s decision to back away from his commitment highlighted some of the challenges the Rebels face in retaining top recruits. Competing with Alabama’s legacy, facilities, and NFL pipeline continues to be a hurdle for schools like Ole Miss, particularly when trying to secure talent from within Mississippi.

This situation may prompt Kiffin to reconsider his recruiting strategy, especially when it comes to player retention. More focus might be placed on strengthening in-state relationships or adapting to the growing influence of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) in college football, which increasingly sways player decisions.

—

### **What Akylin Dear Brings to the Field**

Akylin Dear’s game is built on power, vision, and versatility. At 6’0″, 200 pounds, he runs with a punishing physicality that wears down defenders, but he’s more than just a bruiser. His highlight tapes show explosive acceleration, lateral quickness, and the ability to make defenders miss in space. He’s the kind of back who can both grind out tough yardage and break away for big plays.

Perhaps most notably, Dear excels in catching passes out of the backfield. In today’s game, where offensive schemes often require backs to function as receivers in open space, his skill set fits perfectly into Alabama’s modern, pro-style attack. His pass protection is also improving, an often-overlooked attribute that could earn him early playing time in Tuscaloosa.

Player comparisons have ranged from former Alabama greats like Josh Jacobs to more recent stars like Jahmyr Gibbs. If he lives up to those expectations, Dear could become the next Crimson Tide back to hear his name called early in the NFL Draft.

—

### **Coaching and Player Development at Alabama**

Dear cited relationships with Alabama’s coaching staff—especially RBs coach Robert Gillespie—as a major factor in his decision. Gillespie’s track record of producing elite backs is well-documented, and his personal connection with recruits often sets Alabama apart.

Under head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s offensive philosophy has remained dynamic and adaptable. DeBoer has emphasized balance, explosive plays, and player development, which are key selling points for recruits like Dear who want to prepare for the next level. The Crimson Tide’s ability to adapt offensively without losing physicality is one of the reasons they’ve remained at the top of college football.

Dear’s decision indicates trust—not only in the system and coaches but also in the program’s ability to maximize his potential. Alabama doesn’t just recruit talent; they develop it at an elite level.

—

### **Family and Personal Influences**

Throughout the recruiting process, Dear leaned heavily on his support system. His family played a pivotal role in helping him weigh the pros and cons of each opportunity. While staying in Mississippi held emotional significance, Dear and his family ultimately prioritized long-term development and fit.

In interviews, Dear has spoken about wanting to be challenged and sharpened by competition. The fact that Alabama routinely signs multiple blue-chip players at each position didn’t scare him—it motivated him. He understands that earning playing time in Tuscaloosa won’t come easy, but that’s exactly the kind of environment he was seeking.

—

### **What Comes Next**

Akylin Dear is now focused on preparing for his senior year of high school and enrolling early at Alabama if all goes as planned. The Crimson Tide coaching staff will work closely with him throughout the fall, ensuring he’s ready to step in and contribute when the time comes.

He will likely return to Tuscaloosa for more unofficial visits and will play a role in peer recruiting other top 2025 prospects. As an early commit and one of the highest-rated players in Alabama’s class, he becomes a visible face of the recruiting effort moving forward.

In the ever-changing landscape of college football—where NIL, transfer portals, and early enrollments have shifted dynamics—Akylin Dear’s recruitment offers a case study in how modern players navigate the process. From an early commitment to a thoughtful reevaluation and a final decision grounded in long-term goals, Dear’s journey reflects a maturity and focus rare in today’s environment.

Akylin Dear’s official visit to Ole Miss may have once pointed to a future in Oxford, but in the end, the allure of Alabama’s tradition, coaching, and development proved too strong. His recruitment was a rollercoaster of twists and turns, but ultimately, it settled where many top running backs’ journeys end—in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama fans have reason to be excited. Dear is more than just another highly ranked recruit—he’s a future difference-maker. And if history is any guide, it won’t be long before we see him carving up SEC defenses in a Crimson Tide uniform.