Alabama Loses Homegrown Talent: 2028 3-Star LB Ryquan Butler Decommits
The Crimson Tide’s top-ranked 2028 recruiting class loses an in-state cornerstone as the junior linebacker reopens his recruitment just months after his summer pledge.
In a significant early recruiting shift, 2028 three-star linebacker Ryquan Butler has announced his decommitment from the Alabama Crimson Tide . The decision, confirmed on September 6, 2026, comes just two months after the Loachapoka, Alabama, native pledged to the in-state powerhouse on July 7 .
Butler, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound prospect who plays for Loachapoka High School, was considered a foundational piece of the Tide’s early 2028 recruiting efforts . Despite building strong relationships with head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff, Butler has chosen to put his name back on the market, citing his faith in the decision. “It’s Gods plan,” Butler told 247Sports. “We follow his decision chin up, chest out” .
A Rising Star’s Journey
Butler’s recruitment trajectory has been a rapid ascent. Before his commitment to Alabama, the linebacker was largely unranked by major recruiting services but generated significant buzz through a strong camp circuit. A standout performance at Florida State’s elite camp in June 2026 earned him a scholarship offer from the Seminoles and a major confidence boost .
“I learned to play more with confidence because I know who I am… that shouldn’t make me shy down. It should only make me rise up higher,” Butler reflected on his camp experience .
His sophomore season at Loachapoka showcased his versatility, recording 54 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, one interception, and two fumble recoveries on defense, while contributing as a receiver with seven catches for 126 yards and four touchdowns .
As a junior, Butler has already demonstrated his two-way impact, amassing 27 total tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles in just the first two games, alongside 92 rushing yards and four touchdowns on offense .
Recruiting Rankings and Impact
Currently, Butler is rated as a three-star prospect. According to the Rivals Industry Ranking, he is the No. 546 overall prospect, No. 39 linebacker nationally, and No. 16 player in Alabama for the 2028 cycle . The 247Sports Composite ranks him slightly higher at No. 521 overall and No. 34 among linebackers .
Butler’s decommitment leaves Alabama with six junior commits, and the class remains ranked No. 2 in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings . The loss, however, removes an in-state cornerstone from a class that had been building momentum after securing a commitment from four-star in-state quarterback Kingston Preyear in July .
The New Contenders
Butler’s recruitment is now wide open, with a host of Power Four programs vying for his services. He has indicated that Auburn, Ole Miss, Florida State, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt are among the schools he is now considering .
The immediate future will be busy for the junior linebacker, as he has already scheduled a series of official visits:
· Auburn (Sept. 19)
· Georgia (Oct. 17)
· Kentucky (next weekend)
· Ole Miss (Nov. 7)
· Texas A&M (Nov. 27)
Additionally, Duke has recently begun showing increased interest .
A Strategic Loss for Alabama
Butler’s decommitment is a notable setback for the Crimson Tide’s in-state strategy. At the time of his commitment, Butler was seen as a vital in-state anchor for the 2028 class, demonstrating the staff’s ability to secure top local talent despite the program’s transition under DeBoer .
The departure of the athletic linebacker, who prides himself on his ability to play “sideline to sideline” and high football IQ, leaves a void in a defensive class that also features four-star edge Tysir Young . As the early signing period for the 2028 class is still over a year away, both Alabama and Butler’s new suitors have ample time to reshape their boards. For now, one of Alabama’s most promising homegrown prospects is back on the market.
