Four-star QB Tayden Kaawa commits to Alabama: "It's one of the greatest colleges for football"

Orem (Utah) High four-star quarterback Tayden Kaawa announced his commitment to Alabama.

The 6-foot-4, 235-pound passer chose to play for head coach Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide over his other finalists in BYU and Boise State.

“It’s one of the greatest colleges for football,” Kaawa said. “The coaches there are great. They make you a better football player and better person.”

Rivals ranks Kaawa as the nation’s No. 13 quarterback and No. 166 prospect overall. That’s higher than the rest of the recruiting scouting departments as Kaawa checks in as the No. 26 signal-caller and No. 440 prospect overall per the Rivals Industry Ranking.

Kaawa took his official visit to Tuscaloosa the weekend of June 20. He becomes commit No. 20 for Alabama in the 2026 cycle adding to a class that ranks No. 6 nationally.

“Love the environment, the coaching staff to the medical staff etc.,” Kaawa added.

Alabama has two talented quarterbacks committed in the 2026 class

As a junior Kaawa completed 64 percent of his passes for 2,890 yards and 28 touchdowns to just nine interceptions. He added another 318 rushing yards and four more scores.

Quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan was the lead recruiter for Kaawa and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and DeBoer were also heavily involved.

“I’d say it would be Alabama because I know how the development is there,” Kaawa said following his official visit.. “I know how they put players in the NFL.”

“The coaches,” he said of what else stood out. “I love Coach Grubb over there. I love Coach Sheridan. They make you feel like you’re a family there.”

Kaawa is part of a two-quarterback class that also includes Jett Thomalla. He was offered by Alabama in June.

“It’s Alabama,” Kaawa stated at the time. “Everyone knows them and knows how they are and what type of program they got.”