Caleb Holt Names Top Five, and Alabama's Deep Connection Stands Out
Caleb Holt, one of the most electrifying prospects in the 2026 class, has trimmed his list of college choices to five-and while each program brings something unique to the table, it’s clear that Alabama holds a special place in his heart.
The five-star shooting guard out of Prolific Prep (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) is back in action after a wrist injury sidelined him earlier this season, and he's already making noise on the court. But off the floor, his recruitment is heating up. Holt recently opened up about his top five-Alabama, Arizona, Houston, Kentucky, and Providence-and gave a glimpse into what each program offers, and more importantly, what he’s looking for.
Let’s break it down.
Alabama: A Relationship Years in the Making
For Holt, a New Market, Alabama native, the Crimson Tide aren’t just another name on the list-they’re part of his basketball DNA. Alabama was the first school to offer him, all the way back in eighth grade. That early interest clearly stuck with him.
“That’s been on my left shoulder the whole time,” Holt said, a nod to the loyalty and consistency Alabama has shown throughout his rise.
And it’s not just proximity or nostalgia that keeps Alabama in strong contention-it’s the bond he’s built with head coach Nate Oats. Holt didn’t hold back in his praise, calling Oats “the best offensive-minded coach” and “a basketball guru.”
Their conversations go beyond the typical recruiting pitch-they talk matchups, game plans, and the nuances of the sport. It’s the kind of basketball talk that resonates with a player who clearly sees the game at a high level.
Oats, for his part, is all-in on Holt. According to the guard, the Alabama staff envisions him as a centerpiece for the 2026-27 squad-someone who can be “an engine” for the program, much like Labaron Philon, another highly regarded recruit in recent years.
And for a self-described “people person,” Holt sees Alabama as a place where the personalities align. The connection isn’t just basketball-it’s cultural, personal, and built on years of trust.
Arizona: A Team USA Connection
While Alabama may have the homegrown edge, Arizona has made its own impression-thanks in part to Holt’s time with Team USA. During that stretch, he got to play under Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd, giving him a front-row seat to Lloyd’s coaching style and approach.
That experience helped build a level of familiarity that not many programs can replicate. For a player looking for development and a coach he already knows, Arizona checks a lot of boxes.
Houston: Defense and Development
Holt sees Houston as a place that could elevate his game on the defensive end. The Cougars have built a reputation for toughness and tenacity, and Holt believes that environment could sharpen his edge and help prepare him for the next level.
“League-ready” is how he described what Houston could do for him-and that’s no small statement coming from a player with NBA aspirations already in focus.
Providence: A Young Staff Building Something New
The Friars may not carry the same national brand recognition as some of the others on Holt’s list, but he sees something intriguing developing in Providence. He pointed to their NBA-style offense and a young coaching staff that’s actively shaping a new identity.
For a player who values fit and offensive freedom, Providence presents a compelling, if under-the-radar, option.
Kentucky: Brief but Notable
Holt’s comments on Kentucky were short, but the Wildcats’ inclusion speaks for itself. The program’s history of producing NBA talent is well-known, and even a brief mention suggests they’ve made enough of an impression to stay in the mix.
Back on the Court and Finding Rhythm
After missing the early part of the season with a broken wrist, Holt returned to action on December 4-and wasted no time making an impact. In his first game back, he posted a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds against SEPA Hoops, showing that he’s still every bit the dynamic force scouts have been raving about.
Prolific Prep is off to a strong 17-2 start this season, and with Holt back in the lineup, they’re only getting stronger.
Decision Timeline: Patience Over Pressure
Despite the buzz surrounding his recruitment, Holt isn’t rushing his decision. He’s made it clear that he wants to watch how the college basketball season unfolds before committing, with a target decision window somewhere around February or March.
For now, he’s focused on getting back to full strength, continuing to dominate on the floor, and soaking in everything each program has to offer.
But if one thing is clear from Holt’s comments, it’s this: Alabama isn’t just recruiting a five-star guard-they’re chasing a player who already feels like part of the family.