The University of Alabama has landed one of its most coveted recruiting targets in four-star tight end Mack Sutter, who announced his commitment Thursday night. Sutter chose the Crimson Tide over other top programs, including Ohio State, Ole Miss, and Illinois. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound standout took official visits to all four schools in June, with his most recent trip being to Tuscaloosa from June 20–22. His commitment came shortly after fellow Alabama target Ezavier Crowell, a running back from Jackson, Alabama, also pledged to the Crimson Tide.
Sutter has been a priority recruit for over a year, with Alabama tight ends coach Bryan Ellis offering him in person during his first campus visit in March 2024. Sutter cited that moment as one of the most impactful of his recruiting journey, noting the program’s consistent success and personal investment in him. Since that first visit, he returned for games last fall—including the Georgia matchup and Iron Bowl—and again this past March for a spring practice. Ellis also made multiple visits to Sutter’s hometown of Dunlap, Illinois, during open contact periods, reinforcing Alabama’s strong interest.
In interviews, Sutter emphasized his close relationship with the Alabama coaching staff, particularly Ellis, and praised head coach Kalen DeBoer for his down-to-earth personality and Midwestern roots. Sutter felt like a critical piece of Alabama’s 2026 class, stating that the staff made him feel like a true priority. He also liked how Alabama has started to use tight ends more creatively in its offense, a major factor in his decision.
Sutter becomes Alabama’s first tight end commitment in the 2026 class, following 2025 high school commitments Marshall Pritchett and Kaleb Edwards. He is ranked as the No. 7 tight end and No. 92 overall prospect nationally in the Top247 rankings and is considered the No. 1 player in Illinois. The 247Sports Composite rates him even higher as the No. 6 tight end and No. 80 overall player in the country.
On the field, Sutter has proven to be a dynamic and versatile athlete. During his junior season, he recorded 35 receptions for 505 yards and seven touchdowns, completed passes as a quarterback, and contributed on defense with 36 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six sacks, and a pick-six. His multi-sport background, including basketball, adds to his athletic profile, making him a high-upside prospect with legitimate NFL Draft potential. With his ability to line up in multiple offensive roles and contribute on special teams or defense, Sutter is expected to be a major weapon for Alabama in the coming years.
