Alabama has successfully flipped 2026 offensive tackle Bear Fretwell from Georgia Tech. The 6-foot-6, 295-pound prospect from Brooklet, Georgia, had been committed to Georgia Tech since June 15, but after receiving an offer from Alabama earlier this month, he has now decided to join the Crimson Tide. Fretwell is the latest addition to Alabama’s impressive 2026 recruiting class, which is currently ranked No. 6 in the nation.
Alabama’s offensive line coach, Chris Kapilovic, identified Fretwell as a top target, and the Peach State lineman is now part of the Tide’s growing class. Fretwell explained his decision, saying, “The environment there is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Everyone has the same goal of reaching the highest level of football, so you’re surrounded by people who want to improve themselves.” He also praised Alabama’s care for its players and the strong developmental focus, saying, “It feels more like home.”
Ranked as the No. 690 overall prospect and No. 51 offensive tackle in the 2026 class by Rivals, Fretwell is also the No. 80 player in Georgia.
With Fretwell’s commitment, Alabama’s 2026 class now includes three offensive linemen: Fretwell, Orange Lutheran four-star interior lineman Samuelu Utu, and Hapeville Charter four-star interior lineman Chris Booker. Booker, who committed in February, continues to rise in the rankings and is now the No. 115 overall prospect and No. 8 interior lineman. Utu, ranked as a top-200 recruit and the No. 10 interior lineman, pledged to Alabama in June.
Alabama’s recruiting class has grown to 21 commitments, keeping the Tide in contention for a top-five finish in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. The team has been especially strong this summer, adding six top-100 recruits since June, including five-star safety Jireh Edwards, linebacker Xavier Griffin, wide receiver Cederian Morgan, running back Ezavier Crowell, defensive lineman Nolan Wilson, and tight end Mack Sutter.
In what’s shaping up to be an early flip season, Alabama has also gained commitments from four-star quarterback Jett Thomalla (Iowa State), three-star running back Javari Barnett (Illinois), three-star safety Rihyael Kelly (Rutgers), and now Fretwell.
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