One of Alabama football’s most highly touted commits in the 2026 recruiting class, Ezavier Crowell, will be sidelined for the opening game of his senior high school season due to a violation of amateurism rules, according to multiple reports.
Crowell, a five-star running back from Jackson High School in Alabama, will not be available when his team faces Saraland on Friday, August 22. The report from WKRG TV notes that the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) issued a one-game suspension after determining that Crowell accepted a gift, which reportedly breached the association’s amateurism regulations. The gift, however, has since been returned, and Crowell is slated to return to action in Week 2 when Jackson High takes on Demopolis.
This setback comes during a pivotal time in Crowell’s high school career. Considered the top-rated running back prospect in Alabama since Roc Thomas — who ultimately committed to Auburn in 2014 — Crowell has established himself as one of the premier talents in the country. He is widely seen as the most promising running back commit Alabama has secured since Justice Haynes, a five-star signee in the 2023 class.
Despite the temporary suspension, Crowell’s future remains bright. He’s part of an elite Alabama 2026 recruiting class that currently includes five five-star prospects. Alongside Crowell are standout wide receiver Cederian Morgan of Alexander City, edge rusher Xavier Griffin from Georgia, cornerback Jorden Edmonds, and safety Jireh Edwards from Maryland. The Crimson Tide has also secured a commitment from another running back in the class — three-star Javari Barnett out of Florida.
Crowell has been dominant throughout his high school career. Over his first two seasons at Jackson High School, he amassed more than 4,000 all-purpose yards and scored an impressive 62 touchdowns, showcasing his explosiveness, versatility, and game-breaking ability. Originally a member of the 2027 class, Crowell made the decision to reclassify into the 2026 group — a move that has done little to diminish his standing among national recruiting analysts.
He also headlines a strong in-state group of Alabama commits, which includes Morgan and four-star defensive back Zyan Gibson from Gadsden. These three players rank among the top four overall prospects in the state of Alabama for the 2026 cycle, solidifying the Crimson Tide’s continued dominance in securing local talent.
While the amateurism violation and resulting suspension represent a minor hiccup, it’s unlikely to have any long-term impact on Crowell’s future. He remains one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation, and his early commitment to Alabama underscores head coach Kalen DeBoer’s success in maintaining the program’s recruiting momentum following Nick Saban’s retirement.
As Jackson High prepares for its season opener without its star running back, all eyes will be on Crowell’s return in Week 2 — and on his continued development as a future star in Alabama’s backfield.