TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama General Manager Courtney Morgan isn’t just building a college roster; he’s constructing a pro-level personnel department. The Crimson Tide reportedly agreed to terms with Arizona Cardinals scout Stephen Wise and Georgia Tech Director of Recruiting Alex Mathis on Monday, adding significant firepower to an already robust front office.
CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz broke the news, signaling another aggressive move by the Tide to professionalize their talent evaluation process. With just 200 days until the 2026 season opener, Alabama is ensuring its evaluation engine is firing on all cylinders.
From the NFL War Room to Tuscaloosa
Stephen Wise brings immediate NFL pedigree to the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility. Spending the last several seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Wise served as a key scout, cutting his teeth in the high-stakes world of professional roster management. Before his stint in the desert, he worked as a recruiting assistant at South Carolina, giving him the perfect blend of SEC familiarity and NFL evaluation standards.
Bringing in a scout with actual NFL badge access is a clear signal: Alabama wants players who translate to Sundays, and they want evaluators who know exactly what that looks like.
Peach State Pipeline
Alex Mathis arrives from Atlanta, where he served as the Executive Director of Recruiting for Georgia Tech under head coach Brent Key. Mathis was a pivotal piece of the Yellow Jackets’ 2025 operation, but his roots run deeper in the southeast.
His resume includes:
- UCF: Rose from Assistant Director of Player Personnel to Executive Director of Recruiting.
- High School Ranks: Former high school coach, bringing a relatable “boots on the ground” perspective that resonates with families.
Crimson Tide in the Pros: Hess Heats Up
While the front office reloads, a former Tide ace is turning heads in Florida. Ben Hess, the New York Yankees’ 2024 first-round pick, threw his first bullpen session of the 2026 Spring Training on Monday.
Hess was electric for the Double-A Somerset Patriots in 2025, posting a 2.70 ERA and striking out 45 batters in just 36.2 innings.
“The ball is jumping out of his hand differently this spring. He looks like a guy who knows he belongs in the Bronx sooner rather than later.”
— Unnamed AL East Scout
Expect Hess to start the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but don’t be shocked if he’s wearing pinstripes in the Bronx before the leaves turn brown.
Tide Tracker: Tuesday Schedule
It’s a busy Tuesday for Alabama Athletics. Here is where you can catch the action:
- Swim & Dive: SEC Championships @ Knoxville, Tenn. (All Day)
- Baseball: at Samford @ Homewood, Ala. (4 p.m. CT, ESPN+)
- Men’s Golf: Watersound Invitational @ Panama City, Fla.
- Women’s Golf: Moon Golf Invitational @ Melbourne, Fla.
On This Date in History (1966)
Sixty years ago today, Ken Meyer was promoted to offensive coordinator, replacing Howard Schnellenberger. Meyer, who joined the Tide from Florida State in 1963, stepped into big shoes after Schnellenberger left for the LA Rams. It’s a reminder that Tuscaloosa has always been a cradle for elite coaching talent.
