Four-star wide receiver Osani Gayles has committed to Alabama over Washington and Stanford, he announced live on CBS Sports HQ.
The Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy was the second highest ranked uncommitted pass catcher in the country, giving the Crimson Tide a huge recruiting win.
“It was a tough decision for sure,” Gayles said. “It was really going back in my head between all three schools, trying to narrow it down. It was a gut feeling; I knew that is the spot for me. Looking back at the history of Alabama, talking about it with my parents and family, and praying about it, it was my gut feeling.”
A huge difference maker in this recruitment was the relationship between Gayles and Alabama wide receivers coach Derrick Nix.
“I would say my relationship with coach Nix,” he said of what made the difference in favor of ‘Bama. “I really see him as a mentor. He is going to develop me on and off the field. I see him as a mentor for me, growing me in different aspects of my life. I feel like that is what I need.”
Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and head coach Kalen Deboer also played a role in landing the Top247 talent.
“Coach Grubb, I feel like his offensive philosophy — when I was talking to him about his scheme and all the places he has been, from the Seattle Seahawks to Washington, it was cool to see how he uses his players and gets them open in space,” he said. “It is a good scheme. And coach [Kalen] DeBoer, I feel like we have a good relationship. He texts me, calls me, and makes me feel like a priority.”
Alabama has a five-star quarterback committed in Elijah Haven and Gayles is excited about the reality of teaming up with him at the next level.
“I think it could definitely be a scary duo for sure,” he said. “Going up with Elijah, I have been with him to the Elite 50, so we have a little bit of chemistry going already. It is definitely going to be something special to see.”
Gayles is the second highest-ranked player in Alabama’s 2027 class, just behind Haven, which holds commitments from 13 prospects.
Gayles, an Under Armour All-American, ranks as the No. 34 player in the country, No. 7 wide receiver in the 2027 recruiting class and the No. 5 player in the state of Florida per 247Sports.
Scouting Report on Gayles via 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins:
– Gifted inside receiver with the intelligence, confidence and polish to elevate any passing attack.
– Manipulates defenders with impressive route tempo as he mixes speeds and snaps out of breaks at crisp angles.
– Can bypass coverage with advanced releases and easy acceleration.
– Tracks the ball extremely well and will find late burst when needed.
– Combative more times than not in 50-50 situations with his play strength.
– Slippery after the catch as he stacks cuts to avoid would-be tacklers.
– Not one that saw many targets come his way in a run-heavy attack as a junior, but did score on 40 percent of his receptions and has been a consistent top performer on the offseason circuit.
– Should be viewed as a potential high-volume slot that can get open at all three levels for a College Football Playoff hopeful.
