E118 BH Alabama loses to Florida on the road 87 75 Quick Reaction in Hoops Bad start to February as Alabama gets blown out by Florida in Gainesville 100 to 77. Bama drops to 14-7 overall in 4-4 in the SEC. Bama’s tournament seeding is slipping as the losses in the SEC keep piling up. And Bama has a Florida/Todd Golden problem just like they have a TN/Rick Barnes problem. Bama got blown out. Alabama keeps losing to Florida as has a Florida/Todd Golden problem as Alabama now has a 5 game losing streak to FL First half recap Bama battled Florida hard in the first half, but with 5 minutes to go in the half with Florida up just 32-30, Florida went on 14-6 run to close out the half with a 10 pt over Alabama 46-36 as the Florida bigs outplayed the Alabama bigs while the Alabama guards and wings failed to keep pace with Florida. Alabama came out in the 2nd half flat while Florida went on a 12-0 to extend the lead by 22 pt2 to 58-36 before Alabama scored a basket in the 2nd half with 14.29 left in the game. Alabama got in such a hole after being outplayed in the last 5 minutes of the first half and the first five minutes of the 2nd half that the game was essentially over as Florida maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way to get a dominant win over Alabama by 23 pts 100-77. Stars of the Game Aden Holloway had 19 pts, 3 rebs and 3 assists, but had 3 To’s Other notables: Labaron Philon had a subpar game scoring 15 pts, but had 5 TO’s Aiden Sherrell had 13 pts, 5 rebs, and 5 assists Charles Bediako had 6 pts, 7 rebs, and 4 blocks, but also 2 TO’s Latrell Wrightsell had 11 pts, and 4 rebs and 2 TO’s MIA’s No other Bama player scored in double figures as the Alabama bench players all had no impact on the game Key Performances Florida had 5 players score in double-figures lead by 25 for Alex Condon, 22 for Thomas Haugh, 15 for Boogie Fland, 14 for Rueben Chinyelu, and 11 for Urban Klavzar as these 5 players combined for 87 of Fl’s 100 pts. The Stats Key Team Stats Florida bigs outplayed Bama’s bigs and Fl’s defense harassed Alabama all night Fl outrebounded Bama by eleven 44-33 Fl scored 72 pts in the paint to 26 by Bama Fl had 26 fast break points to just 3 by Bama Fl had 13 steals to just one for Bama Florida had 2 TO’s to 18 for Bama Florida made 17 free throws to just 9 for Bama These stats tell the story Issue – Too many TO’s 18 for Bama to just 2 for FL Poor offensive ball movement and execution by Bama – too much one on one on the offensive end leading to turnovers and bad shots Bama went from down 2 pts with 5 mins to go in the first half to down 22 pts with 15 mins to go in the game. That 10 minute stretch at the end of the first half and start of the 2nd half killed Bama’s chances. Alabama is now 14-7 on the season and 4-4 in the SEC. Bama needs to figure some things out and start winning games or their seeding in the NCAA will keep sliding. Bama is probably a 6 or 7 seed in the tournament after this loss And let’s hope it doesn’t get so bad that they risk not making the tournament. Bama needs to get its key players healthy. And Bama needs to figure out how to execute better and just score the ball in tight situations in half court sets. And that means scoring from all three levels and taking the best shot you can at any level, not just from three or at the rim. There is no great team in the SEC, but there are a bunch of really good teams. Texas A&M, Florida, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee are probably the best teams in the league. Up next: Alabama plays Texas A&M at home on Wed, Feb 4 at 6 pm. Bucky ball is up next. That will be another tough test for Alabama. Bama needs to beat the Aggies to stop the bleeding and to improve its seeding for the tournament.

E117 BH Alabama blows out Missouri at home 90 64 Quick Reaction in Hoops On a cold January night, Alabama was hot from three and from the free throw line led by Latrell Wrightsell’s 21 points all from three as Alabama snapped a two-game home losing streak to blow out Missouri 90-64 and move it’s record to 14-6 overall and 4-3 in the SEC. No. 23 Alabama snapped a two-game home skid with a dominant 90–64 victory over Missouri at Coleman Coliseum. After a tight start that saw the teams tied midway through the first half, the Crimson Tide utilized a 21–8 run late in the first half to take control before halftime going into the half with a 42-29 lead. After halftime, the onslaught continued in the second, highlighted by a 16–2 spurt midway through the 2nd half that pushed the lead to as many as 29 points as Bama wins by 26 pts 90 to 64. Alabama’s efficiency was the story of the night, as they connected on 15 three-pointers and shot an elite 88% from the free-throw line, while defensively holding the Tigers to a season-low 19% from beyond the arc. The win was fueled by a standout performance from Latrell Wrightsell Jr., who poured in a season-high 21 points on a career-best seven triples. He was well-supported by freshman Labaron Philon, who added 18 points and six assists, and big man Aiden Sherrell, who chipped in 16 points. A major storyline involved center Charles Bediako, who contributed 14 points and six rebounds after being cleared to play via a legal injunction against the NCAA. This comprehensive win moved Alabama back into the win column, capitalizing on Missouri’s poor 34.8% shooting from the charity stripe making only 8 of 23 missing 15 Free throws to secure the blowout. Latrell Wrightsell with 21 pts, 5 rebs, 2 assists, and 2 steals - LaBaron Philon with 18 pts, 4 rebs, 6 assists, and 1 steal, but had 2 turnovers. Aiden Sherrell had 16 pts and 2 blocks -- Charles Bediako had 14 pts, 6 rebs, and 1 steal, and was 6-6 from the free throw line --TBB had 10 rebs and Houston Mallette had 8 rebs as both of them hits the boards hard all night -- Key Team Stats Hot shooting by Alabama Bama made 15 threes and shot 38% from three compared to Missouri shooting 19% from three and only 39% from the field and shooting 35% from the three throw line Bama made 23-26 Free throws shooting 88% from the charity stripe MO outrebounded Bama by 5 rebs 44-39, but that stat didn’t matter given how poorly MO shot the ball MO also had 13 TO’s to just 7 for Alabama MO did have 44 pts in the paint to just 20 for Alabama, but Alabama scoring 23 free throws to just 8 for MO and Alabama making 15 three’s as well to just 4 for MO overcame the fact that MO scored effectively in the post against Alabama. Bama needs for Amari Allen to get healthy. He is needed for his all-around play and one of Bama’s five best players. Bama has added depth in the front court now with Bediako, but none of the post players can score effectively with post moves around the basket. Sherrell playing a stretch four with Bediako at the five opens up the offense. The best starting lineup seems to be Bediako at Center Sherrell at stretch four Amari Allen when healthy on the wing Either Holloway or Wrightsell at shooting guard And Philon at the point. Up next: Alabama visits No. 19 Florida on Sunday, Feb 1. That will be a tough test for Alabama. We will find out a lot about this Alabama team on Sunday. Florida like TN has Alabama’s number over the past two plus years, so given that Auburn just beat Florida, it will be a great measuring stick for Alabama. Alabama (14-6, 4-3 SEC) will next face Florida in Gainesville on Sunday, Feb 1.

E116 BH Alabama loses at home to Tennessee 79 73 Quick Reaction in Hoops Alabama playing without two starters loses to Tennessee at home 79 to 73 in tough loss where Bama fails to score in the last 3 mins of the game to run its record to 3-3 in the SEC and 13-6 overall as Bama fails to execute on offense and rebound on defense at the end of the game. Alabama played without Aden Holloway and Amari Allen who both sat out with injuries, and at crunch time, it showed. The big story pre-game was Charles Bediako playing, but the bigger factor was Bama not having Holloway and Allen. And Nate Oates has a Rick Barnes and TN problem as Alabama has now lost 5 in a row to TN. It is another bad home loss to drops Bama to projected seed of 5 or lower for the tournament. The Tennessee Volunteers defeated No. 17 Alabama 79-73 on January 24, 2026, at Coleman Coliseum. Despite leading 39-36 at halftime, the Crimson Tide struggled offensively in the second half, get outrebounded by TN and shot just 34.5% from the field and going scoreless over the final 3:11 of the game. During the key last four minutes of the game, Alabama missed six 3-pt attempts and made only one three (going 1 for 7 in the last 4 mins) and attempted zero 2 pt shots in that time period and let Tennessee outrebound Alabama as well. Alabama’s three point shots during those last four mins of the game were not clean, good looks, but rather contested shots. And Bama failed to run its offense to just get a good open shot from where ever to get points. Second half – Tennessee outscored Alabama 43-34 in the second half to secure a 79-73 comeback victory. The Volunteers erased a 39-36 halftime deficit by opening the period on an 11-2 run, taking a 47-41 lead just minutes into the half. Decisive Run: With 7:34 secs left, TN led 64-63, Tennessee responded to Alabama's with a 6-0 run burst, fueled by Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Ament, to extend their advantage to 70-63 with 6:34 to play. • Bama then went on a 7-2 run to cut the lead to 72-70 with 4.42 left. Then TN scores 5 consecutive points to take a 77-70 lead with 4 minutes to go. • The Closing Drought: Alabama then cuts the lead to 77-73 following an Aidan Sherrell three-pointer at the 3:11 mark, the Tide's offense completely stalled and went scoreless to the end. Alabama went scoreless for the final 3:11, missing their last five field goal attempts while Tennessee's defense, anchored by Felix Okpara, sealed the game with late blocks and rebounds -- LaBaron Philon with 26 pts, 4 rebs, 7 assists, but had 3 TO’s and only shot 2 for 9 from three. Other notables: Latrell Wrightsell had 14 pts Charles Bediako had 13 pts, 3 rebs, 2 steals, and 3 blocks - TN only had two players in double-figures Led by Nate Ament with 29 pts, 7 rebs, and 3 assists as Ament made clutch shot after clutch shot down the stretch in the 2nd half to lead TN to victory over Bama And Ja’kobi Gillespie had 24 pts, 3 rebs, 4 assists, and 2 steals in a strong performance Bama is not playing like a final four or even elite 8 team if you judge them by the way Bama played against Oklahoma. Bama still on pace to make the tournament, but their ability to get a top four seed in a region is slipping. Need to start stacking wins again. There is no great team in the SEC, but there are a bunch of really good teams. Up next: Alabama (13-6, 3-3 SEC) will next face Missouri at home on Tuesday, January 27.

Currently, Alabama is 13-5 on the season and 3-2 in the SEC. Tied for sixth in the SEC right now. Bama needs to figure some things out and keep winning games or their seeding in the NCAA will slide. Let’s do our midseason review and report for the Team Up next: Alabama plays Tennessee at home on Saturday, Jan 24 at 7.30 pm. Charles Bediako – what??? Players of note The leader - Labaron Philon The three amigos Aiden Sherrell Amari Allen Aden Holloway The rest of the cast – who can we count on? Houston Mallette TBB London Jemison Keitenn Bristow Latrell Wrightsell Jalil Bethea Noah Williamson Injuries Davion Hannah SEC Standings Highlights Issues Issue – Why Bama has lulls in the games where they just lose focus? The static offense – too much one on one and not enough ball movement Bama has little depth in the front court. TBB is hurt. Bristow is hurt. And Williamson is not reliable. Need TBB healthy and to play well game in and game out Need Bristow to step up and contribute. Don’t know what he will do and how he will play game in and game out. Williamson played and contributed very little in this game, but need more from him if Bama wants to be a great team. I know who our best four players are, but who is the fifth starter? Bethea contributed a bit in 7 minutes, but we need more from him. The Big man issue with Nate Oates and Bama – inability to recruit, develop, and get big men into the NBA – centers and power forwards – great with wings and guards and 3 and D players and stretch fours. Lack of low post play Nate Oates – North Carolina and Kentucky – could try to hire him away? Alabama is now 13-5 on the season and 3-2 in the SEC. Bama needs to figure some things out and keep winning games or their seeding in the NCAA will slide. And let’s hope it doesn’t get so bad that they risk not making the tournament. Bama is not playing like a final four or even elite 8 team if you judge them by the way Bama played against Oklahoma. Up next: Alabama plays Tennessee at home on Saturday, Jan 24 at 7.30 pm. Tennessee is struggling, but Rick Barnes will have them ready to play against Alabama. Will be a tough game. Bama must play with the kind of effort and focus game in and game out they played with against Oklahoma in the 2nd half if they want to be a sweet 16 team again this year. I am cautiously optimistic that Bama can make the elite 8.

Alabama wins a tough road game 83 to 81 over Oklahoma in Norman to run its record to 3-2 in the SEC and 13-5 overall as Bama holds on and does just enough to win. It is another Big road win to keep Bama in pace for a top 4 seed in the tournament. Labon Philon was again the star of the game with a career high 23 pts to lead the Tide as he made clutch plays down the stretch to lead Bama to victory in real nail-biter. First Half Recap Stars of the Game LaBaron Philon with 23 pts, 5 rebs, 4 assists, but had 3 TO’s and missed 4 free throws. Other notables: Amari Allen with 12 pts, 8 rebs, 2 assists, 3 steals, but 2 TO’s Aiden Sherrell with 21 pts, 9 rebs, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block Aden Holloway with 9 pts, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 TO’s in a quiet night for him Houston Mallette with 12 pts, 6 rebs, 2 assists, and 1 steal, but missed a key Free throw at the end of game Bama rebounded as a five-man team on the defensive end in the MIA’s Keitenn Bristow – did not play – ankle injury TBB with wrist injury – not effective London Jemison struggled Noah Williamson not much Jalil Bethea scored 4 pts and had 2 rebs in 7 mins Davion Hannah out with Key Performances Oklahoma had 4 players in double figures led by Xzayvier Brown’s 21 pts. Derrion Reid had 16 and 9 – former Bama player Tae David had 14 and Nijel Pack had 12 Former Bama player Mohamed Wague had 6 pt, 6 rebs, and 2 blocks The Stats Key Team Stats Bama outrebounded by OK 45-43 Bama had 11 TO’s to just 9 for OK. Bama shot 44% from the field, just 30% from 3, and made 15 FT’s shooting 58% from the charity stripe and missing 11 Free Throws that helped allow OK to stay in the game. Tough shooting night for Bama and the free throw shooting was bad This win is a big road win when Bama was not at its best, but got a win nonetheless. Highlights Philon with a game high 21 pts making key plays in the 2nd half when needed as he scored 15 pts in the 2nd half Bama outrebounded OK in the 2nd half after being outrebounded in the first half to win the rebounding battle 45-43. When dialed in and focused, Bama can be a decent rebounding team. Best four are Philon, Holloway, Sherrell, and Amari Allen Who is that fifth player? Who will bring effort and consistency of performance game in and game out Mallette had a solid night. We need this type of effort from him every game. Issues Issue – Why did Bama close out the first half so poorly? Bama has little depth in the front court. TBB is hurt. Bristow is hurt. And Williamson is not reliable. Need TBB healthy and to play well game in and game out Need Bristow to step up and contribute. Don’t know what he will do and how he will play game in and game out. Williamson played and contributed very little in this game, but need more from him if Bama wants to be a great team. I know who our best four players are, but who is the fifth starter? Bethea contributed a bit in 7 minutes, but we need more from him. Alabama is now 13-5 on the season and 3-2 in the SEC. Bama needs to figure some things out and keep winning games or their seeding in the NCAA will slide. And let’s hope it doesn’t get so bad that they risk not making the tournament. Bama is not playing like a final four or even elite 8 team if you judge them by the way Bama played against Oklahoma. Up next: Alabama plays Tennessee at home on Saturday, Jan 24 at 7.30 pm. Tennessee is struggling, but Rick Barnes will have them ready to play against Alabama. Will be a tough game. Bama must play with the kind of effort and focus game in and game out they played with against Oklahoma in the 2nd half if they want to be a sweet 16 team again this year. I am cautiously optimistic that Bama can make the elite 8.

E113 Curt Cignetti The Cignetti Way his story his coaching rise part 2 The late-bloomer who is blossoming in Bloomington, and is now and currently the best college football coach bar none. Best coach in college football. He has taken the mantle from Kirby Smart who took it from Nick Saban. Cignetti spent nearly 30 years as an assistant coach, an unusually long path in modern college football. While many chase early head-coaching opportunities, he chose to learn—quarterbacks, receivers, recruiting, program management—under multiple staffs and systems. Stops at Pitt, NC State, and Alabama gave him exposure to everything from rebuilding efforts to championship standards. Then he goes into coaching as a coaching lifer. Takes a serious of positional offensive coaching jobs, but was never an offensive coordinator or defensive coordinator during his career. At NC State and at Alabama, he was the recruiting coordinator at both program. Paying his dues and honing his craft - Assistant Roles (1983–2010) Graduate Assistant – Pittsburgh (1983–1984). Davidson (QBs/WRs) — 1985. Rice (Quarterbacks) — 1986–1988. Temple (Quarterbacks) — 1989–1992. Pittsburgh – QBs/TEs — 1993–1999. NC State – QB/TE/Recruiting Coordinator — 2000–2006. Curt Cignetti describes his seven-year tenure at NC State (2000–2006) as a pivotal period of success and personal growth, highlighting it as a "better situation" compared to previous coaching stops due to the talent and resources available under head coach Chuck Amato. Alabama – Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator — 2007–2010. His success at NC State and his ties and his father’s ties to Nick Saban from the West Virginia days had to set up Cignetti to join Saban’s staff in 2007 Part of Alabama’s 2009 National Championship team under Nick Saban. During these years, Cignetti built a reputation for strong offensive coaching and recruiting expertise across multiple Division I programs. Alabama – Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator — 2007–2010. His success at NC State and his ties and his father’s ties to Nick Saban from the West Virginia days had to set up Cignetti to join Saban’s staff in 2007 Part of Alabama’s 2009 National Championship team under Nick Saban. During these years, Cignetti built a reputation for strong offensive coaching and recruiting expertise across multiple Division I programs. IUP Elon James Madison Indiana in 2024 and 2025 Reloading after players graduate or leave for the NFL Restocking through the portal and through recruiting high level talent and keeping them Losing key assistants and replacing them Managing that staff turnover that will happen Cignetti’s age – he is 64. Amazing story that came out of nowhere Cignetti has been grinding for 40 years as an assistant coach, as a D2 head coach, and as coaches at low level D1 programs. Finally, he gets a D1 power 4 job and instant success Truly a story that makes a great movie Cignetti is the best coach in college Let’s see how the story plays out Monday night and beyond.

Cignetti's - who is he? Why is the best coach in college football? where did he come from? What are his roots in football? What is his philosophy? What is the Cignetti Way? How is he tied to the Bear? To Bowden? To Saban? Part 1 or mulitpart podcast on Curt Cignetti and why he is the best coach in college football now. And his ties to Alabama and how those ties influenced him. Also, how he is the son of a coach and influenced by his father who had ties to Bowden and Alabama as well.

Stars of the Game LaBaron Philon with a career high 32 pts, 4 rebs, 3 assists, and only 1 TO Other notables: Amari Allen with 13 pts, 13 rebs, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks Aiden Sherrell with 22 pts, 5 rebs, 1 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks Aden Holloway with 15 pts, 3 rebs, 2 assists, and one steal Bama rebounded as a five man team on the defensive end for most of the game once the Bama surge happened in the first half as six players had at least 5 rebs MIA’s Keitenn Bristow – did not play – no idea why Injuries TBB out with injury Davion Hannah out with injury Key Performances Josh Hubbard played well for State with 23 pts, but only one other state player scored double digits in points Good defensive effort and good rebounding effort by the Tide The Stats Key Team Stats Bama outrebounded State 47-43 Bama limited its TO’s to 5 for the game – that is winning basketball Bama shot 44% from the field, 35% from 3, and made 27 FT’s shooting 82% from the charity stripe. Good shooting night for the Tide When you look at the team stats, it was a good night overall for Bama and Bama either won the stat or was even at worst with State. This win is big to stop the bleeding and stop the 2 game losing streak. Keeps Bama on track to make the tournament. And gives Bama a good chance to get a top four seed in the tournament if Bama can keep winning. Highlights Game night for Philon with a career high 32 pts Bama rebounded the basketball really well and didn’t turn the ball over with only 5 Tos Stopped great from the first half surge starting with 7 mins to go in the first half to take the lead by 2 at half to the last whistle as Bama extended its lead after half to win by 15 points. This Bama team can be a sweet 16, elite 8, and final four team. This performance shows what Bama can be game in and game out Bama defense was really good against state. That is the kind of effort we need on a regular basis. Best four are Philon, Holloway, Sherrell, and Amari Allen Who is that fifth player? Who will bring effort and consistency of performance game in and game out Jemison brings a high level of energy and produces with defense and rebounding every night. His scoring production is spotty. Issues Issue – Why did Bama start so poorly? Bama has little depth in the front court Need TBB healthy and to play well game in and game out Need Bristow to step up and contribute. Don’t know what he will do and how he will play game in and game out. Williamson and Bethea played and contributed in this game, but need more from them if Bama wants to be a great team. I know who our best four players are, but who is the fifth starter? Alabama is now 12-5 on the season and 2-2 in the SEC. Bama needs to figure some things out and get back to winning or their seeding in the NCAA will keep sliding. And let’s hope it doesn’t get so bad that they risk not making the tournament. Bama is not playing like a final four or even sweet 16 team if you judge them by the way Bama played against Texas. Up next: Alabama goes on the road again to Oklahoma on Saturday, Jan 17 at 12 noon. Let’s count on Bama playing like they did against State in Norman and getting a win there rather than playing like they did against Texas. Bama must play with this kind of effort and focus game in and game out if they want to be a sweet 16 team again this year. I am cautiously optimist that Bama is this team that beat state, not the team that lost to Texas.

Alabama’s takes its first bad loss on the season at home 92-88 as this loss hurt its chances to get a top four seed in the NCAA tournament and makes Bama just 1-2 in the SEC and 11-5 on the season. Bama is on the struggle bus in SEC play. What the heck?? After a big loss to TN, Texas came in hungry and motivated and put it to Alabama. They were aggressive all night on both ends of the court. Coach of Texas Sean Miller gave it to his players before the game challenging them to step up and play hard and play well or they could find another school. His team responded as he hoped and took it to Alabama. • Final Score: Texas defeated Alabama 92-88 [1]. Stars of the Game LaBaron Philon with 21 and Aden Holloway with 18 Other notables: Amari Allen with 11 pts, 5 rebs, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks Aiden Sherrell with 13 pts, 5 rebs, 1 steal, and 1 block TBB with 11 pts, 10 rebs, and 2 blocks Jemison with 9 pts, 5 rebs, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block MIA’s Keitenn Bristow – what has happened to him, no impact Noah Williamson - little impact with 2 pts, 3 rebs, and 1 block Houston Mallette – no impact with 2 rebs and no pts Jalil Bethea – 3 pts and no other stats in 4 mins Emphasis on guarding Philon hard and not leaving him to help. Also doubling him on drives to the basket to force contested shots, force turnovers, or force the ball out of his hands. Kept a defender at the rim to challenge Holloway and others at the rim. Key Team Stats Bama missed key free throws down the stretch and was 19-27 from the free throw line Although Tx missed 10 FT’s, Tx scored 22 FT’s to Bama’s 19. Tx outrebounded Bama by 10 48-38 Tx scored 36 pts in paint to Bama’s 32 pts. Small things led to the Bama loss. When it mattered most in the last four minutes of the game, Tx got the defensive stops, made enough free throws, and scored in the post. Also, Alabama didn’t run its offense effectively to get good shots from 2 or from 3 when needed. Too many highly contested shots from two and from three that Alabama could not make This loss stings badly and puts Bama in a bad position if they want to be a top four seed in the NCAA tournament. Issue – Costly turnovers by Philon. And Philon has to be better on defense. He seems to be OK, but nothing special on defense at times this year. Not being a shutdown defender. Holloway also was getting beat too much by the man he was guarding. Bama fell behind by 13 pts in the first half before cutting the margin to 1 at half and then by 11 pts in the 2nd half before getting it back to just 1 late in the game. But Bama didn’t have enough to grab the lead and when. Bama cannot keep falling behind in the games and then try to dig themselves out of these holes. Ball movement on offense is not always good. Need to move the ball better and find better shots from both 3 and from 2. Lack of low-post offense threat – None of the Bama post players can easily or efficiently in the low post. It is a problem and probably cannot be fixed this season. And Bama cannot win a natty without low post scoring threat and having an effective low post scorer. Got no production from Mallette, Bethea, or Bristow and little from Williamson although no one expects much from him game to game. Alabama is now 11-5 on the season and 1-2 in the SEC. Bama needs to figure some things out and get back to winning or their seeding in the NCAA will keep sliding. And let’s hope it doesn’t get so bad that they risk not making the tournament. Bama is not playing like a final four or even sweet 16 team if you judge them by the way Bama played against Texas. Up next: Alabama goes on the road to Mississippi State on Tuesday, Jan 13 at 8 pm. Look for Bama to rebound and play better. But this loss is worrisome. Bama must play better if they want to be a sweet 16 team again this year.

Alabama rolls the dice and is fully embracing using the aim to upgrade its roster with proven, productive players and to let 19 or more players walk. And being taken apart by Indiana built through smart portal acquisitions and watching Miami, Oregon, and Ole Miss also use the portal to build teams that are in the final four, Bama has embraced the need to upgrade the roster in key spots through the portal. Will it work? Will Bama make smart additions to the roster? And then can DeBoer and his staff coach up into a cohesive unit on both sides of the ball and on special teams to allow the 2026 team to get back into the playoffs and make a run for a natty? 19 players from Bama have entered the portal and are all likely to leave, and Bama has signed 5 players so far from the portal. The 2025 roster was not good enough and the clear intent is to upgrade the roster with proven, productive and experience college players at key positions such as running back, offensive line, defensive line, and Linebacker. Bama would also take a proven WR such as say Cam Coleman or a high-level defensive back or two. Bama has signed 5 players to date and at least four of them are likely to be starters for 2026. Bama wants to add proven, productive players, not just talented, but unproven players. Incoming Transfers (5) Player Name Position Height / Weight Status From To Caleb Woodson LB 6-3 / 230 Enrolled Virginia Tech Alabama Kaden Strayhorn IOL 6-2 / 308 Enrolled Michigan Alabama Hollywood Smothers RB 5-11 / 195 Enrolled NC State Alabama Devan Thompkins DL 6-5 / 290 Enrolled USC Alabama Josh Ford TE 6-6 / 265 Enrolled Oklahoma State Alabama Outgoing Transfers (19) Player Name Position Height / Weight Status From To Isaiah Horton Arkel Anugwom OT 6-6 / 328 — Alabama — Kelby Collins DL 6-4 / 275 — Alabama — James Smith DL 6-3 / 297 — Alabama — Qua Russaw Edge 6-2 / 243 — Alabama — Cam Calhoun CB 6-0 / 180 — Alabama — Keon Keeley Edge 6-5 / 282 — Alabama — Wilkin Formby OT 6-7 / 324 Committed Alabama Texas A&M Cole Adams WR 5-10 / 183 — Alabama — Micah DeBose OT 6-5 / 319 — Alabama — Peter Notaro K 5-11 / 188 — Alabama — Noah Carter Edge 6-4 / 243 — Alabama — Olaus Alinen OT 6-6 / 322 Committed Alabama Kentucky Jalen Hale WR 6-1 / 197 — Alabama — Joseph Ionata IOL 6-5 / 306 Committed Alabama Georgia Tech Jaylen Mbakwe WR 5-11 / 190 Committed Alabama Georgia Tech Richard Young RB 5-11 / 212 — Alabama — Roq Montgomery IOL 6-3 / 330 — Alabama — Kameron Howard S 5-11 / 195 Committed Alabama Boston College Aeryn Hampton WR 5-10 / 195 — Alabama — Targets – O-line, D-line, and Linebackers • Wide Receiver: Cam Coleman (Auburn) is a primary target to bolster the wide receiver room after losing several players to the portal and NFL draft. • Offensive Line: Alabama is overhauling its offensive line and is targeting multiple players, including Brock Riker (Texas State), Jimothy Lewis (Mississippi State), Jacarrius Peak (NC State), and DJ Chester (LSU). They have already landed Kaden Strayhorn from Michigan. • Defensive Line/EDGE: To compensate for significant losses on the defensive front, the Tide is pursuing Malik Blockton (Auburn), Jordan Ross (Tennessee), and Cody Sigler (Arkansas State). They recently secured a commitment from Devan Thompkins (USC). • Punter: The team has also contacted punter Adam Watford (North Alabama). Alabama has been actively recruiting players and has had several on-campus visits since the transfer portal opened on January 2, 2026. •