5-star EDGE Anthony Jones says decision coming ‘either this week or next week’

All eyes are on Mobile (Ala.) St. Paul’s Episcopal five-star EDGE Anthony “Tank” Jones.

Now one of just four uncommitted five-star prospects left in the 2026 cycle, Jones has narrowed his list of finalists down to three and has been working towards a decision some time before the beginning of his senior season.

Alabama, Oregon and Texas A&M continue to swing for the staunch 6-foot-3, 245-pounder. Many have expected Jones to announce his decision at some point in July — and that still might happen.

On Monday at Mobile County media day, Jones sat down to answer questions as St. Paul’s Episcopal looks to make waves on the gridiron this fall. With his college decision clearly looming, Jones made it known that a decision is coming “either this week or next week.”

“Getting those text messages and stuff, it’s getting kinda stressful now,” Jones said. “Commitment coming up soon, so I’ve just been day-by-day, grinding, keeping my head down, staying humble.”

While Alabama continues to trend in the Rivals Recruiting Prediction Machine, a Monday update from Rivals’ Chad Simmons isn’t ruling out Oregon or Texas A&M, either. Jones has kept his cards close to the vest this spring and summer, making for one of the more intriguing recruitments of the cycle.

Alabama has landed a majority of its top targets this summer and, of course, has the in-state angle with Jones. Auburn was a top school at one point, too, but the Tide now has the entire Yellowhammer State factor to itself down the stretch.

The Ducks, while across the country from Jones, have proven in the past that they are capable of winning a recruitment of this magnitude and have made a sizable splash in his process. The Aggies have also been red-hot this summer and would love to add Jones to a top-five class in College Station.

When speaking with Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett earlier this month, though, Jones did tab Bama as the program standing out.

“For me, they started off behind everyone because of the new staff,” Jones said of the in-state program. “But they’ve been very consistent with me, day by day. They aren’t pressuring me for a commitment, they’re very genuine and do a great job of that.”

All three programs await one of the biggest remaining decisions in the cycle. Jones is the No. 22 overall prospect and No. 4 EDGE in the 2026 class, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the top-ranked player in Alabama.