Alabama Basketball Survives Injuries, Eyes Showdown at Auburn; Football Wraps Up Strong Signing Day
It’s been a busy stretch for Alabama athletics, and Wednesday night was no exception. The Crimson Tide men’s basketball team picked up a key SEC win, but not without a few heart-stopping moments. Head coach Nate Oats confirmed that the team dodged a couple more injury scares - a recurring theme for this roster - but thankfully, both players in question were able to suit up and contribute.
Next up? A trip to Auburn.
And if you’ve followed this rivalry, you know things tend to get loud, fast, and borderline chaotic inside Neville Arena. That’s especially true when there’s something extra on the line - and this time, it’s the potential presence of Charles Bediako that could crank the volume to 11.
Bediako’s eligibility for Saturday’s game hinges on a court decision. His legal team has requested a continuance for discovery purposes, and if that’s granted during Thursday’s conference call, he’ll be cleared to play this weekend. If not, his status will come down to Friday’s injunction hearing - a high-stakes moment for both the player and the program.
What’s at play here isn’t just one player’s availability. For the NCAA, a court ruling in its favor would reinforce its authority to enforce its bylaws - a much-needed win as its enforcement arm continues to face legal challenges. Former UCLA guard Amari Bailey, for example, is currently pursuing a similar legal path in hopes of returning to college basketball after NBA appearances.
But even if the court sides with Bediako and allows him to play, it might not be the crushing blow to the NCAA that some would assume. Another legal setback could actually amplify the urgency behind the organization’s lobbying efforts in Washington, particularly its push for an antitrust exemption.
Alabama Football Finishes Strong on National Signing Day
Over on the football side, National Signing Day came and went with relatively little drama, but Alabama still managed to haul in one of the nation’s top recruiting classes.
According to the composite rankings - which blend evaluations from multiple recruiting services, including 247Sports - Alabama’s 2026 class finished No. 2 nationally. Only Southern Cal finished ahead, thanks in part to a massive 36-player class compared to Alabama’s 26.
Oregon, Ohio State, and Notre Dame rounded out the top five.
The SEC was well-represented in the top 10, with Alabama leading the charge at No. 2, followed by Georgia (No. 6), Texas (No.
7), Tennessee (No. 8), and Texas A&M (No. 10).
247Sports’ own rankings, which also factor in transfer portal additions, had Alabama at No. 6. LSU topped that list, followed by Ohio State, Texas, Notre Dame, and Southern Cal.
Instant Impact Players to Watch
Let’s talk about some of the headliners who could make waves early in their careers:
- Xavier Griffin, a 5-star linebacker out of Gainesville, Georgia, is one of the most versatile defenders in the 2026 class. He turned down offers from Southern Cal, Georgia, and Florida State to join the Crimson Tide.
Griffin projects as an off-ball linebacker but brings serious pass-rush juice, making him a perfect fit for Kane Wommack’s aggressive “Swarm D.” He’s already drawing comparisons to former first-rounder Jihaad Campbell thanks to his speed, versatility, and ability to impact the game from multiple spots.
- EJ Crowell, a 5-star running back from Jackson, Alabama, is skipping his senior year of high school to enroll early - and he’s still the No. 1 back in the class. Crowell ran wild for over 2,600 yards and 35 touchdowns en route to a 4A state title and earned Alabama’s “Mr.
Football” honor. With the Tide’s backfield underwhelming in 2025, Crowell could bring some much-needed explosiveness to the rotation.
- Cederian Morgan, a big-bodied wideout at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, adds a different dimension to the receiver room. While Ryan Williams, Lotzeir Brooks, and NC State transfer Noah Rogers headline the depth chart, Morgan’s size makes him an immediate red-zone threat - especially when paired with fellow big target Derek Meadows (6-foot-5, 210). If Morgan can develop as a blocker, he’ll be tough to keep off the field, especially in a system that values perimeter blocking to unlock the screen game and outside runs.
Offensive Line Gets a Boost with Adrian Klemm
Alabama’s offensive line was a mixed bag in 2025, and not just in the trenches. Blocking from the wide receivers was also an issue, limiting the effectiveness of the screen game and outside zone runs. That’s why the addition of Adrian Klemm as offensive line coach is a big deal.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer praised Klemm’s track record in a statement:
“Adrian Klemm has a reputation for recruiting and developing players at every level, having worked with some of the top offensive lines in his 15-plus years coaching. He has a deep knowledge and passion for the game, and I know that he will be able to have an immediate impact on our program.”
Klemm, who had been linked to the job since late January, echoed that excitement:
“I am incredibly honored and grateful for this opportunity to join Coach DeBoer’s staff at The University of Alabama.
The tradition, culture and championship standard in Tuscaloosa is second to none. I’m excited to get to work with our players and this staff, and it feels great to be a part of the Alabama family.
Roll Tide!”
Jeremy Pruitt in Talks with Maryland
Meanwhile, former Alabama and Tennessee defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt is reportedly in discussions with Mike Locksley to join the Maryland coaching staff. While the deal isn’t finalized, multiple sources have confirmed Pruitt is a serious candidate.
Pruitt, who rose from high school coaching ranks at Hoover (AL) to national prominence under Nick Saban, was dismissed from Tennessee in 2021 amid an NCAA investigation. His potential return to college football would be a notable development - and one that Alabama fans will undoubtedly be watching with interest.
From the hardwood to the gridiron, it’s never a dull moment in Tuscaloosa.