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Yhonzae Pierre returns to Alabama, ranks as top NFL draft prospect

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 3:40 AM

Last updated Aug 12, 2026

Yhonzae Pierre returns to Alabama, ranks as top NFL draft prospect

Summary

Yhonzae Pierre, a standout defensive player for Alabama, officially returned for the 2026 season, potentially bolstering his NFL Draft prospects. The Athletic's Dane Brugler has ranked him as the No. 3 edge rusher for the 2027 NFL Draft. After considering entering the 2026 draft, Pierre opted to stay in Tuscaloosa and enhance his skill set following a breakout 2025 season, where he recorded 52 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks. His performance against Tennessee, which included three sacks, earned him national recognition. This season will be critical for Pierre to solidify his status as a potential top-20 pick in the upcoming draft.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Yhonzae Pierre is back for the 2026 season with Alabama.
•Brugler ranks him as the No. 3 edge rusher for the 2027 Draft.
•Pierre recorded 52 tackles and 8 sacks last season.
•His three sacks against Tennessee highlighted his breakout performance.
•Returning gives him a chance to potentially be a top-20 draft pick.

Latest Updates

3:40 AMYahoo Sports — Alabama Star Floated as Top-20 NFL Draft Pick After Returning for 2026-27 Season

What they're saying

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Alabama’s decision to bring back one of its top defensive playmakers could carry an even bigger payoff in the 2027 NFL Draft.The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Yhonzae Pierre as the No. 3 edge rusher in his preseason 2027 NFL Draft rankings, placing the Alabama standout behind prospects from South Carolina and Texas.Brugler also delivered a […] The post Alabama Star Floated as Top-20 NFL Draft Pick After Returning for 2026-27 Season appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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