Where Alabama Ranks in Sports Illustrated’s Way-Too-Early College Basketball Top 25

College basketball is an ever-evolving landscape, with teams constantly working to improve their rosters, develop new strategies, and maintain their positions as contenders for the prestigious NCAA Tournament. For fans, the anticipation leading up to the season is palpable. To fuel the excitement, outlets like Sports Illustrated (SI) often release their “way-too-early” rankings, providing a first glance at which teams are expected to be dominant before the start of the next college basketball season.

In these rankings, one team has garnered considerable attention and has emerged as a strong contender: the Alabama Crimson Tide. Head coach Nate Oats has built a competitive and dynamic program that has garnered national recognition, and Alabama’s standing in Sports Illustrated’s Way-Too-Early College Basketball Top 25 speaks volumes about the team’s growing reputation. But where exactly does Alabama land in this prestigious list, and what does it mean for the Crimson Tide as they prepare for the upcoming season?

The Importance of Way-Too-Early Rankings

Before delving into Alabama’s ranking, it’s important to understand the significance and nature of Sports Illustrated’s Way-Too-Early College Basketball Top 25. These rankings are typically released shortly after the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament, providing an early snapshot of how experts view teams heading into the off-season. Since rosters are constantly changing due to transfers, early declarations for the NBA Draft, and new recruits, these rankings are speculative by nature.

The title “Way-Too-Early” reflects the uncertainty of the rankings. Teams may experience roster changes or injuries before the start of the season that could dramatically alter their prospects. Nonetheless, these rankings offer college basketball fans a chance to start gauging potential championship contenders, which teams are on the rise, and which programs might face rebuilding seasons.

Given the fluid nature of college basketball, a top 25 ranking in these early predictions should be seen as a strong indication of a program’s stability, talent level, and potential for success in the upcoming season. And for Alabama, landing in SI’s Way-Too-Early College Basketball Top 25 is a testament to the program’s continued growth and future aspirations.

Alabama’s Rise Under Nate Oats

The Alabama Crimson Tide’s ranking in Sports Illustrated’s way-too-early rankings reflects the incredible growth the program has experienced under head coach Nate Oats. Oats took over as head coach in 2019, succeeding Avery Johnson. His coaching philosophy, emphasizing a fast-paced, up-tempo style of play, has completely reshaped the program’s identity.

From the outset, Oats emphasized a system based on efficiency, three-point shooting, and defensive intensity, which has allowed Alabama to rise to prominence in the SEC and on the national stage. Under Oats, Alabama has seen tremendous success, highlighted by their impressive regular season play, SEC championships, and deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. Most notably, Alabama advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2021, marking a significant milestone for the program.

Oats has also been known for his ability to recruit talent, particularly players who excel in the system he’s built. He’s had great success in securing top-tier recruits, as well as bringing in players through the transfer portal. This ability to mix experienced transfers with talented freshmen has enabled Alabama to maintain a consistently competitive edge in college basketball.

As Alabama enters the next season, the program is positioned to maintain its success. The Way-Too-Early College Basketball rankings are a reflection of the potential the team holds and the strength of their coaching staff, particularly Oats, who has made a name for himself as one of the premier up-and-coming coaches in the sport.

Alabama’s Ranking in Sports Illustrated’s Way-Too-Early Top 25

So, where exactly does Alabama land in Sports Illustrated’s Way-Too-Early College Basketball Top 25? The Crimson Tide are ranked in the top 10 of this prestigious list, which places them among the elite programs in the country. Their position speaks to the combination of returning talent, strong recruiting classes, and the momentum they’ve built in recent years.

This ranking is significant for Alabama in several ways. First, it positions them as one of the top teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), a league known for its competitive nature in basketball. Alabama’s ranking places them in close proximity to perennial powerhouses like Kansas, Duke, and Kentucky, signaling that the Crimson Tide are on track to challenge for a national championship.

Secondly, the ranking is a reflection of the talent Alabama will have returning in the upcoming season. With key players expected to return and a strong group of incoming freshmen and transfers, Alabama has the depth and versatility to compete with the best in the nation. The combination of returning experience and incoming talent makes them a formidable opponent for any team in college basketball.

Key Returning Players

As with any top-ranked team, Alabama’s success will largely depend on the performance of key returning players. The Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings take into account the talent that is returning to each program, and for Alabama, that means they will be bringing back several key contributors from the previous season.

Among the most significant players returning for Alabama is Jaden Ivey. A dynamic guard, Ivey’s playmaking and scoring ability were critical for the Crimson Tide in their previous campaigns. He’s a versatile player who can score both inside and beyond the arc, making him a dangerous offensive weapon for Alabama. His ability to lead the team on both ends of the floor will be crucial as they look to stay competitive in the SEC and contend for a national championship.

Another important returnee is Charles Bediako, a dominant force in the post. Bediako’s defensive prowess and rebounding ability are key assets for Alabama, and his presence in the paint will be essential for their success on both ends of the floor. His rim protection and rebounding give the Crimson Tide a strong defensive foundation, complementing their high-powered offense.

With Ivey and Bediako leading the charge, Alabama has the makings of a well-balanced and dangerous team, capable of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Incoming Talent and Recruiting Success

In addition to the returning players, Alabama is set to welcome a highly talented group of incoming recruits. Nate Oats has consistently proven to be an excellent recruiter, and the Crimson Tide’s 2025 recruiting class is no exception. With a combination of highly-ranked high school players and experienced transfers, Alabama will have a diverse mix of talent on its roster.

One of the most anticipated recruits is a highly-touted point guard, who will bring immediate playmaking ability to the team. This recruit is expected to have a significant impact on Alabama’s offensive system, providing them with another ball handler and scorer. This addition will further enhance Alabama’s already potent offense and give them more options when attacking opposing defenses.

In addition to this point guard, Alabama has also secured commitments from a handful of skilled forwards and shooters. This influx of talent, combined with the strong core already in place, positions Alabama as one of the most well-rounded teams in college basketball.

Alabama’s National Championship Aspirations

While Alabama has historically been known for its football prowess, the Crimson Tide basketball team is quickly making a name for itself as a legitimate contender on the national stage. Their inclusion in Sports Illustrated’s Way-Too-Early College Basketball Top 25 is a reflection of the program’s growth and the national recognition it has garnered under Nate Oats.

Alabama has consistently been a competitive team in recent years, but their ranking in these early predictions signals that they are no longer just a team to watch—they are a team that is expected to be in the hunt for a national championship. With a combination of returning talent, incoming recruits, and a strong coaching staff, Alabama’s chances of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament are high.

The Crimson Tide’s rise to national prominence is a testament to the work that Oats has put into the program, and it will be exciting to see if Alabama can continue to build on its momentum and achieve even greater success in the 2025 season.

In Sports Illustrated’s Way-Too-Early College Basketball Top 25, Alabama is firmly positioned among the top 10 teams in the country, a testament to the growth and success of the program under head coach Nate Oats. With a strong returning core, incoming talent, and a competitive edge, the Crimson Tide are poised to be a dominant force in college basketball in the upcoming season.

As the season approaches, expectations will be high for Alabama to live up to their ranking and make a serious run for a national championship. While much can change between now and the start of the season, one thing is clear: Alabama basketball is on the rise, and the program’s inclusion in the Way-Too-Early Top 25 is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and competitive season for the Crimson Tide.