In a major recruiting win for the Crimson Tide, four-star linebacker Kenneth Simon II has officially committed to Alabama football, choosing Kalen DeBoer's program over Tennessee and a host of other top-tier programs.
The Brentwood Academy standout made his decision public on May 11, putting an end to a highly competitive recruitment that had fans across the SEC on edge. Simon's final four schools included Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M, with additional offers from Georgia, Michigan, Florida, and Vanderbilt—a testament to his elite status as one of the nation's most sought-after defensive prospects.
What makes this commitment particularly intriguing is Simon's family ties to Tennessee. His father, Kevin Simon, was a two-time All-SEC linebacker for the Volunteers and a seventh-round NFL draft pick by Washington, later serving as Tennessee's director of player development. However, the younger Simon made it clear that family legacy didn't dictate his decision.
"My dad just wants to see me go do what's the best for me," Simon told The Tennessean. "That talk (about the connection) wasn't too crazy. Not one time during the recruiting process did I feel like, 'All right, he wants me to go to Tennessee.' So, it wasn't too big a deal for him."
Simon's stock has been on a steady rise, and for good reason. Ranked as the No. 6 prospect in Tennessee for the 2027 class and the No. 10 linebacker nationally according to the 247Sports Composite, he brings a versatile skill set that had college coaches lining up. During Brentwood Academy's runner-up finish in the TSSAA Division II-AAA state championship in 2025, Simon was a disruptive force, recording eight tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception, one blocked kick, and one pass breakup. He also showcased his athleticism on special teams and offense, tallying 129 yards on kick returns and rushing for 64 yards and a touchdown.
A key factor in Simon's commitment was the stability DeBoer has established at Alabama. With the Crimson Tide navigating the post-Nick Saban era, the head coach's long-term vision resonated with the talented linebacker.
"Coach DeBoer signing that seven-year contract just shows there's stability in the program. That was the concern at first," Simon explained. "But it's knowing that all the coaches are still gonna be there and I won't have to worry about the coaching staff changing anytime soon."
For Alabama fans, landing a player of Simon's caliber is a statement that the program remains a powerhouse in the ever-competitive world of college football recruiting. As for Simon, he's ready to bring his relentless style of play to Tuscaloosa and help write the next chapter of Crimson Tide football.