One of the SEC’s most historic rivalries just took another turn with the announcement that Tennessee Vol legacy Kenneth Simon II had committed to Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide.
Simon picked the Crimson Tide over Tennessee, Georgia, and Ole Miss.
The Brentwood Academy standout from Tennessee is ranked No. 144 nationally in the Rivals Industry Ranking and is viewed as one of the top linebacker prospects in the 2027 recruiting cycle.
Kenneth Simon II Says Alabama “Felt Different”
Despite growing up as the son of a Tennessee legend, Simon said Alabama separated itself from the competition throughout the recruiting process.
“I talked to God… and He told me I needed to go to Bama,” Simon told Rivals.
Simon admitted the decision was not an easy one, given his family history with Tennessee, but ultimately felt Alabama provided the best path for his future.
“That’s all I thought about growing up, but you’ve got to go somewhere that puts you in the best position,” Simon said. “I prayed about it a lot, I looked at each school on my list, and Alabama was the right one for me. The feeling about Alabama was different than the others.”
That comfort level only increased during his visits to Tuscaloosa.
“When I got around the players, they knew me, and I just felt comfortable,” Simon said. “On the last visit, I hung out with them a lot, and we got along; it was all natural, and that really stood out.”
Alabama’s Culture Helped Seal the Commitment
One of the biggest reasons Simon ultimately chose Alabama was the culture inside the program.
“The Alabama culture sealed it for me,” Simon explained. “The standard they hold you to is different. When you think of Alabama, you think of winning and working hard. I want to be held to that standard.”
That message has become a major recruiting pitch under DeBoer as Alabama continues building momentum with elite prospects across the country.
The Crimson Tide coaching staff also played a major role in Simon’s decision, particularly linebackers coach Chuck Morrell and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack.
“He promised he’d put everything into making me the best version of myself,” Simon said of Morrell. “Coach Morrell is a great coach. He knows a lot about linebackers and the development of guys like myself. He is ready to work with me and make me the best I can be, and that means a lot.”
Simon also praised DeBoer’s competitive mentality and leadership style.
“He’s a winner… and he hates losing,” Simon said. “When you’ve got coaches and players that hate losing, things are going to go right. I like what he is about and how much he cares for his players and the program. Coach DeBoer is going to win at Alabama.”
Another Recruiting Win for Kalen DeBoer
Landing a player with deep Tennessee roots only adds more intrigue to Alabama’s growing recruiting momentum.
For Alabama fans, the commitment represents another sign that DeBoer and his staff continue to build serious momentum on the recruiting trail, even when going head-to-head against SEC rivals for legacy prospects.
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