Alabama Makes Major Climb in Early 2025-26 Rankings Following Key Returnees After NBA Draft Withdrawal Deadline

Alabama’s basketball program has sent a loud and unmistakable message to the rest of the country in the wake of the NBA draft withdrawal deadline. The Crimson Tide, already viewed as a formidable force under head coach Nate Oats, have now emerged as one of the most complete and dangerous teams heading into the 2025-26 college basketball season. This shift is not merely perception—it is rooted in reality following the key decisions by multiple players to return to Tuscaloosa rather than pursue professional careers at this stage. As a result, Alabama has rocketed up the early preseason rankings, with analysts and fans alike reassessing the balance of power in college basketball.

The draft withdrawal deadline has long been a pivot point in the college basketball offseason, the moment when programs either brace for rebuilds or prepare to retool with experienced veterans. For Alabama, the deadline brought a wave of good news. Several players who had flirted with entering the NBA Draft opted instead to come back for another year, citing unfinished business, a strong belief in the coaching staff, and the potential to win a national title. Their return signals stability and continuity for a team that has already proven it can contend on the biggest stage.

At the heart of Alabama’s resurgence in the rankings are its returning stars. These are players who not only bring experience but also high-level production and leadership qualities. They are the backbone of what is shaping up to be one of the most balanced and deep rosters in the country. With a blend of explosive scoring, suffocating defense, and versatile playmaking, Alabama now has the ingredients necessary to dominate both in the Southeastern Conference and on the national scene.

One of the major reasons for this optimism lies in the growth and maturity of the players who chose to return. These athletes have been through the battles of March. They have felt the sting of heartbreak and the rush of victory. Their return is not about individual accolades; it is about legacy and the desire to finish what they started. That kind of commitment is rare and powerful, and it has a way of galvanizing an entire locker room. Alabama will not be relying solely on unproven freshmen or transfers—they are returning proven commodities who know the system, understand the expectations, and are motivated to take the next step.

Another factor that has propelled Alabama up the rankings is the team’s depth. With the returning players serving as a foundation, Oats and his staff have also brought in a strong recruiting class and added key pieces through the transfer portal. But the emphasis here is on chemistry and cohesion. Unlike some programs that undergo massive overhauls and hope it all comes together by February, Alabama is building on existing relationships and basketball instincts that have already been sharpened through high-stakes competition. That familiarity will be an advantage when the season begins, especially in the early non-conference battles and rivalry matchups that often set the tone for the rest of the year.

From a tactical perspective, Alabama’s returning personnel allow the coaching staff to maintain their signature style of play. Nate Oats has made a name for himself with his fast-paced, high-octane offense and an aggressive, disciplined approach on defense. That style requires not only physical talent but also mental sharpness and buy-in. Having veterans who have already mastered these concepts means the team won’t have to spend as much time on foundational work. Instead, they can focus on refining their execution, adding wrinkles to their sets, and developing the kind of precision that separates contenders from champions.

The buzz surrounding Alabama’s rise is not just internal. National media outlets and respected analysts have taken note of the program’s upward trajectory. Early projections and power rankings, while always fluid at this time of year, have consistently featured Alabama near the top, with some even slotting the Crimson Tide into the top five. These rankings reflect more than just roster talent—they account for coaching pedigree, recent performance, and potential matchups. In each of those areas, Alabama is now scoring highly.

The psychological boost of having key players return cannot be overstated. It creates a sense of belief not only within the team but also among the fan base. The excitement in Tuscaloosa is palpable. Season ticket sales are surging, preseason practices are drawing attention, and there is a clear sense that something special is brewing. This kind of energy can become self-sustaining, pushing the team through tough stretches and creating a home-court atmosphere that few opponents will relish facing.

Additionally, the returnees bring leadership and accountability. Younger players and newcomers will have role models to learn from, both on and off the court. That leadership translates into better practice habits, stronger communication during games, and a unified locker room culture. Championship teams often credit their success to internal leadership, and Alabama seems to have that in abundance heading into 2025-26.

Of course, the road to a national title is never easy. The SEC remains a brutal gauntlet, filled with programs that are also reloading and hungry for success. But Alabama’s rise in the rankings signals that they are not just another contender—they are a legitimate threat. They have the horses to run with anyone, the coaching to make in-game adjustments, and the mindset to persevere through adversity. That combination is rare, and it’s why so many around the sport are suddenly looking at Alabama with a different level of respect.

There is also the question of expectations. With higher rankings come higher stakes. Every opponent will circle Alabama on the calendar. There will be no sneaking up on anyone. But this group appears to welcome that challenge. In interviews and public statements, returning players have expressed a desire to embrace the target on their backs. They want to be tested. They want the pressure. That attitude, if it remains consistent, will serve them well when the bright lights of March Madness start to shine.

Off the court, Alabama’s success in retaining key players has implications for the broader program as well. It strengthens the coaching staff’s credibility with recruits, showing that players can grow and thrive in the system. It enhances the program’s national profile, drawing attention from media and scouts. And it reinforces a culture of development and loyalty that is increasingly rare in the era of one-and-done and transfer movement. In many ways, Alabama is crafting a blueprint for sustained success—one that values both talent and tenure, flash and fundamentals.

In the coming months, much will be written about the top teams in the country. Debates will rage over which program is best equipped to cut down the nets in April. But one thing is certain: Alabama is in that conversation, and they earned their spot through smart decisions, player commitment, and a clear vision for the future. The early rankings may fluctuate, but the foundation in Tuscaloosa is solid. This is a team with ambition, with purpose, and now—with their stars returning—a legitimate shot at reaching the pinnacle of college basketball.

The 2025-26 season promises to be one of the most competitive and compelling in recent memory, and Alabama is poised to be at the center of it all. Their climb in the rankings is not just about numbers on a list—it’s about momentum, belief, and the kind of continuity that breeds champions. The countdown has begun, and Alabama is ready for the spotlight.