Following their disappointing NCAA Tournament loss, Alabama receives good news.
The sting of Alabama’s Final Four loss in the NCAA Tournament still lingers. A magical run that galvanized Tuscaloosa and brought the Crimson Tide to the doorstep of a national title ended in heartbreak at the hands of UConn, the eventual national champions. The 86–72 loss was a harsh reminder of how narrow the margin for error can be on college basketball’s biggest stage.
But amid the sorrow and post-tournament reflection, head coach Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide program received a much-needed dose of optimism. In the days following their elimination, Alabama got a major boost that could change the trajectory of the 2025–26 season — and perhaps keep the Tide in the thick of national contention once again.
Star Players Announce Return
Alabama fans erupted with excitement as key players Mark Sears and Rylan Griffen officially announced they would return to Tuscaloosa for another season. The two veterans were instrumental in Alabama’s historic Final Four run and were widely expected to explore professional options.
Sears, who averaged 21.4 points per game and shot 43.2% from beyond the arc, emerged as one of the most dominant guards in the nation. His clutch play, calm demeanor, and leadership were the backbone of Alabama’s offense. While his stock had risen considerably with his postseason heroics — including a 23-point outburst against North Carolina in the Sweet 16 — Sears ultimately opted to forgo the NBA Draft and give it one more shot with the Crimson Tide.
“I love this program, I love my teammates, and I feel like we have unfinished business,” Sears said in a video posted on social media. “We made history this year, but we’ve got more to prove.”
Rylan Griffen’s return was equally critical. A dynamic wing who excelled at both ends of the floor, Griffen provided spacing, defense, and versatility. His 13.7 points per game didn’t always tell the full story — he was often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best scorer and frequently came through in key moments.
With both players back in the fold, Alabama retains the core of its explosive offense and stabilizes its locker room with leadership continuity.
Top Transfer Commits to Alabama
As if the return of Sears and Griffen wasn’t enough, Alabama landed one of the top transfers in the portal — former Dayton forward DaRon Holmes II. Holmes, a two-time Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, brings size, experience, and production to a frontcourt that loses Grant Nelson to graduation.
Holmes averaged 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game in 2024–25, leading Dayton to a second-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament. His ability to protect the rim, run the floor, and score inside gives Alabama a premier post presence it sorely needed last season.
“Joining Alabama is about more than basketball,” Holmes said during his commitment. “It’s about winning at the highest level, developing for the next level, and being part of something special. Coach Oats has built a program that fits the way I play, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
His arrival gives the Tide a fearsome trio with Holmes, Sears, and Griffen, setting the stage for what could be another deep tournament run.
Nate Oats Turns Down NBA Interest
In the background of Alabama’s tournament success and offseason momentum has been growing interest in head coach Nate Oats. With multiple NBA teams reportedly expressing interest in Oats, there were quiet concerns about whether he might be lured away from the college ranks.
But in a firm show of loyalty to the Alabama program, Oats reaffirmed his commitment to Tuscaloosa — publicly and privately — and emphasized his vision for sustained excellence in the SEC.
“I’m just getting started here,” Oats said. “We’ve built something really special, and I’m not ready to leave it behind. We’ve got great players, great fans, and a great university. I’m all in on Alabama.”
Oats, who signed a contract extension through 2029, continues to elevate the program’s national profile. His fast-paced, analytics-driven system has transformed Alabama into one of the most exciting and efficient teams in the country, and his recruiting prowess is unmatched in the SEC.
A Top-5 Recruiting Class Solidified
While the portal success and return of key veterans has generated headlines, Alabama’s incoming freshman class is nothing short of elite. Ranked No. 3 nationally by 247Sports, the class includes several five-star prospects and immediate contributors.
Headlining the group is point guard Jasper Johnson, a dynamic playmaker with elite court vision and a killer mid-range game. The Kentucky native is considered one of the most polished floor generals in the class of 2025 and is expected to step in as a major rotation piece from day one.
Also joining the Tide is 6-foot-8 wing Derrion Reid, a McDonald’s All-American who brings length, athleticism, and defensive versatility. He’s a perfect fit in Oats’ positionless system and could be a matchup nightmare in the SEC.
The class is rounded out by big man Aiden Sherrell and shooter Naas Cunningham, both of whom bring high ceilings and strong pedigree from the prep ranks.
Culture and Momentum Are Intact
The 2024–25 season was the greatest in Alabama basketball history. The Crimson Tide reached their first-ever Final Four and were one of only two teams in the nation to average more than 90 points per game. They knocked off traditional bluebloods like North Carolina and Creighton, proving that their brand of basketball could thrive under the brightest lights.
But perhaps more important than the wins was the identity forged along the way. Alabama’s locker room chemistry, belief, and commitment to playing fast and together was evident from day one.
And that culture isn’t going anywhere.
“Last year wasn’t a fluke,” assistant coach Charlie Henry said. “It was the product of years of building, recruiting the right guys, and doing things the right way. We have the blueprint, and we’re just getting started.”
With key veterans staying, elite recruits arriving, and one of the best coaches in the country locked in, Alabama’s future is as bright as ever.
Alabama’s National Outlook
Following the announcements, several national outlets updated their “Way-Too-Early Top 25” rankings. ESPN moved Alabama to No. 2 behind only reigning champion UConn, while CBS Sports slotted the Crimson Tide in at No. 3.
The return of Mark Sears catapults Alabama into a category of national title favorites. When paired with the addition of Holmes and the influx of five-star talent, Alabama’s depth and skill rival any team in the country.
Of course, expectations bring pressure. For Alabama, that’s no longer a burden — it’s an opportunity. The 2025–26 season will come with immense scrutiny, but it will also come with belief. Belief that last year wasn’t a one-off, and belief that Alabama basketball has truly arrived.
The Fans Are All In
For a fanbase traditionally associated with football dominance, Alabama basketball has become more than just a pleasant side story — it’s a program the Crimson Tide faithful are fully invested in.
Ticket sales are already surging. Season ticket renewals are projected to hit record highs. Social media engagement for Alabama basketball continues to soar, with players like Sears and Griffen developing strong personal followings.
“People used to think of Alabama as a football school only,” one fan said outside Coleman Coliseum. “But now? This is a basketball school, too. We’re Final Four good. We’re national championship good.”
That kind of excitement is infectious, and it feeds right back into recruiting and performance.
What’s Next?
While much of the offseason work has already been done, Alabama remains active in the portal. Oats and his staff are still evaluating options for a backup guard and another frontcourt piece to ensure depth and flexibility.
The schedule for next season is also taking shape. Alabama is expected to participate in the 2025 Maui Invitational — giving them another chance to build a tournament résumé early. A showdown with Michigan State at a neutral site is also in the works.
All told, the future looks blindingly bright in Tuscaloosa.
Yes, the Final Four loss to UConn was a bitter pill to swallow. It ended a season filled with promise and progress just shy of a national title. But if the days following that loss are any indication, Alabama isn’t slowing down — they’re speeding up.
And that may be the best news of all.
