Four members of the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team announced their return to Tuscaloosa for the 2025–2026 campaign on Saturday afternoon.

In what can only be described as a significant victory for Nate Oats and the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball program, four pivotal contributors from last season’s historic run have announced their return for the 2025–2026 season. On a sunny Saturday afternoon that will now be remembered by Tide faithful as a turning point for next year’s championship aspirations, Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, Rylan Griffen, and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. made their intentions known: they’re coming back for more.

The announcement came via a coordinated social media post followed by an official confirmation from the university’s athletics department. Each player expressed unfinished business, belief in the program, and a desire to hang a banner in Coleman Coliseum.

The implications? Massive. Alabama is no longer just a football school — and with this returning core, the Tide are positioned to make another deep NCAA Tournament run in 2026.

Sears Leads the Charge

If there was one player Alabama fans were holding their breath for, it was Mark Sears.

The Muscle Shoals native and All-SEC guard emerged last season as the undeniable heartbeat of the team, averaging 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 43.1% from three-point range. Sears was the Tide’s go-to scorer, their late-game closer, and the emotional leader of a squad that advanced to the Final Four for the first time in program history.

Despite serious NBA interest and several mock drafts projecting him as a second-round pick, Sears ultimately chose to return.

“I want to finish what we started,” Sears said in a video posted to Alabama’s basketball social media account. “We made history last season, but now it’s time to make more. Let’s win a national championship.”

Sears’ decision instantly boosts Alabama’s chances in a loaded SEC and puts them in the national title conversation from day one.

Nelson’s Growth and Redemption Arc

Grant Nelson’s return may not have been as headline-grabbing as Sears’, but it’s equally vital.

After transferring from North Dakota State, the 6-foot-11 forward experienced growing pains adjusting to the SEC’s physicality. However, by the end of the 2024–25 season, Nelson was one of Alabama’s most versatile weapons. He averaged 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks while displaying improved range and an underrated passing ability.

His best moments came in the NCAA Tournament, where he put together a string of dominant performances that helped fuel Alabama’s deep run. That success—and the confidence that came with it—factored heavily into his decision to return.

“I’ve developed so much here under Coach Oats,” Nelson said. “But I’m not done growing. This team is special, and I want to be part of making Alabama a powerhouse for years to come.”

With Nelson back in the fold, Alabama retains its primary rim protector and stretch big — a combination that’s crucial in Oats’ space-and-pace offense.

Griffen’s Breakout Awaits

Rylan Griffen flirted with entering the NBA Draft, but many around the program believed he’d benefit from another year in college — and Griffen appears to agree.

The 6-foot-6 junior wing made significant strides last season, averaging 9.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and shooting 39.6% from beyond the arc. Known for his smooth stroke and high basketball IQ, Griffen was often Alabama’s most consistent perimeter defender and proved capable of guarding multiple positions.

What’s more exciting for the Tide is what’s next for Griffen. His return allows him to step into a larger offensive role and potentially become a consistent double-digit scorer.

“With this group coming back, I knew we could do something special,” Griffen said. “Coach Oats believes in me, and I believe in this team. It’s our time.”

Griffen’s two-way impact makes him an x-factor for the Tide next season, and NBA scouts will be watching closely.

Wrightsell’s Veteran Presence

While Latrell Wrightsell Jr. didn’t always fill the box score last season, his leadership and intangibles made a clear difference on and off the court.

The veteran guard transferred from Cal State Fullerton and immediately carved out a role as a steadying presence in Alabama’s backcourt. Wrightsell averaged 7.2 points and 2.9 assists, shooting a reliable 36.8% from deep. He was a floor-spacing guard who kept defenses honest and often sparked key runs with timely buckets.

But more than that, Wrightsell provided experience — something that became critical during high-pressure moments in the NCAA Tournament.

“I’ve been around a long time, and I know when something special is building,” Wrightsell said. “This is it. We’re not just trying to be good — we’re trying to be legendary.”

He’ll once again be a vital piece in Alabama’s rotation, bringing shooting, maturity, and a calming presence in crunch time.

A Dangerous Core with National Title Dreams

Together, Sears, Nelson, Griffen, and Wrightsell represent the heart and soul of last year’s historic team — and they’re about to do it again.

Add in a top-tier recruiting class led by five-star forward Derrion Reid and four-star point guard Labaron Philon, plus the continued development of younger players like Jarin Stevenson and Mouhamed Dioubate, and Alabama might be as deep and talented as it’s ever been under Nate Oats.

And make no mistake — the players aren’t the only ones locked in.

Oats has become one of the hottest names in college basketball coaching, and this offseason only solidified his status. Alabama’s continued investment in facilities, NIL resources, and national scheduling has elevated the program into rare air.

The return of these four leaders is proof that players believe in the culture Oats has built.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond the hardwood, the decision of these four players to return will have ripple effects across college basketball.

For one, Alabama becomes an immediate preseason top-five team in most polls, if not higher. National pundits have already started pegging the Crimson Tide as a favorite for the SEC title and a return trip to the Final Four — possibly even cutting down the nets in April.

Second, their return sends a strong message to recruits and transfers: Tuscaloosa is a place where players can grow, shine, and compete for titles — all while enjoying the support of an elite program.

Finally, it injects further excitement into the Alabama fanbase. After years of being a football-first school, the Crimson Tide now commands national attention in multiple major sports. Basketball in the South has often played second fiddle, but this version of Alabama is flipping the narrative.

Looking Ahead

The road to a national title isn’t easy. The SEC will once again be stacked with contenders like Tennessee, Auburn, Kentucky, and Arkansas. And the national landscape will feature loaded teams at Kansas, UConn, and Duke.

But Alabama has experience, talent, and — now — the continuity that championship teams need.

Mark Sears returning was the headliner. Grant Nelson brings interior toughness. Rylan Griffen has breakout star potential. Latrell Wrightsell offers poise and maturity. Together, they form a nucleus that can match any team in the country.

As Nate Oats put it in a press release:

“I’m proud of these guys for making a mature decision and trusting the process. They’ve accomplished a lot already, but they’re hungry for more. We’ve got something special brewing, and I can’t wait to get back to work.”

Neither can the fans.

When the 2025–26 season tips off in November, Coleman Coliseum will be rocking like never before. And with four proven leaders back in uniform, the Crimson Tide won’t just be playing for wins — they’ll be playing for a legacy.