Friday Rundown: Bama Gymnastics Faces No. 1 Oklahoma, Women’s Hoops Grinds Out a Win, and QB Questions Loom for Football
It’s a packed Friday for Alabama athletics, and the spotlight is shining in several directions-from the mat to the hardwood to the gridiron. Let’s break it down.
Gym Tide Set for Massive Test at Oklahoma
Tonight, Alabama gymnastics steps into the lion’s den. The Crimson Tide travels to Norman to face top-ranked Oklahoma, a program that’s become the gold standard in the sport.
The Sooners are defending their third national title in four years and haven’t shown many signs of slowing down. For Bama, this meet is more than just a regular-season challenge-it’s a measuring stick.
Alabama has talent, no doubt. But going toe-to-toe with the best in the country, in their house, is about more than clean landings and stuck dismounts.
It’s about composure, execution, and showing that they belong in the national conversation. This one will tell us a lot.
Charles Bediako’s Status Still in Limbo
Off the mat and into the legal arena, the Charles Bediako eligibility situation remains unresolved. A judge is expected to rule today on whether Bediako will be granted an injunction that would keep him eligible for the remainder of the season.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has officially opposed the injunction, signing an affidavit against it. The decision could have major implications for Alabama’s frontcourt depth moving forward.
Women’s Basketball Guts Out a Gritty Win Over Ole Miss
Thursday night at Coleman Coliseum, it wasn’t pretty-but it was gritty. Alabama women’s basketball pulled off a clutch 72-70 win over No.
14 Ole Miss, improving to 20-4 on the season and 6-4 in SEC play. That marks the program’s fifth straight 20-win campaign-a testament to the consistency head coach Kristy Curry has built.
The Tide led by four after one quarter and stayed in the fight thanks to timely plays and tenacious defense. Ace Austin buried a key three-pointer late in the third quarter to give Alabama the edge heading into the final frame.
Then, with the game hanging in the balance, Diana Collins drove in for a go-ahead layup with under 20 seconds left. On the next possession, Jessica Timmons stepped up and took a charge, sealing the win.
Shooting continues to be a concern. Alabama hit just 35.7% from the field-only slightly better than the 30% clip they posted against LSU.
But the defense did its job, holding Ole Miss under 40% for most of the night. That kind of effort travels, and come March, it could be the difference between a quick exit and a deep tournament run.
Homecoming Set: Alabama to Host Texas A&M on October 24
Circle the date-Alabama’s 2026 Homecoming game is officially scheduled for October 24, when the Tide will host Texas A&M. It’ll be the 17th meeting between the two programs, with Alabama holding a commanding 13-3 series lead.
Homecoming has been kind to the Crimson Tide historically. Alabama is 89-14-1 all-time in Homecoming games and has won 22 of its last 25 since 2000.
The kickoff time and TV details will come later, but one thing’s for sure: this one won’t be a cakewalk. The SEC doesn’t hand out easy Saturdays anymore.
Quarterback Questions Still Loom Large for 2026
Let’s be honest-there’s one question that overshadows everything else heading into spring: who’s going to be the guy under center?
With Jalen Milroe off to the next chapter, Alabama is in search of a new starting quarterback. And while there’s talent in the room, experience is in short supply.
Austin Mack has been on campus since 2023 and saw limited action-most notably a first-half series against Louisiana Monroe and some snaps in the Rose Bowl after Ty Simpson went down. Keelon Russell, a second-year player, got some late-game reps in 2025, but that’s about it.
Both quarterbacks bring different strengths to the table. Mack has the frame and arm talent, while Russell’s athleticism and upside have fans intrigued.
But until one of them proves it on Saturdays, it’s all projection. The offensive line will play a big role here too-protection and cohesion up front could be the difference between a breakout and a breakdown at quarterback.
The best-case scenario? Russell makes a second-year leap that echoes what we saw from Bryce Young in 2021. That’s asking a lot-but it’s not out of the question.
Amari Sabb Embracing the Alabama Standard
Defensive back Amari Sabb is the kind of player who doesn’t just want the spotlight-he seeks it out. From scoring four touchdowns in his first-ever youth football game to collecting offers from Penn State, Ole Miss, and Georgia by middle school, Sabb’s been on the radar for a long time.
Now at Alabama, he’s embracing the challenge.
“I always knew about Alabama when I was younger, them being a powerhouse program,” Sabb said. “But actually getting up there and seeing the stuff for yourself with your own eyes, it’s just like, how can you not be at this school?”
His high school coach, Timmy Breaker, put it simply: “Amari has never shied away from the bright lights. He actually welcomes the bright lights.”
That mentality fits perfectly in Tuscaloosa, where expectations are sky-high and every snap matters.
Reggie Ragland Wants to See More Physicality
Former Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland didn’t mince words when reflecting on last season’s team. Now serving as director of player personnel at West Alabama under Scott Cochran, Ragland voiced his frustration with what he saw as a lack of physicality.
“At times, I feel like guys wouldn’t hold the point of attack,” he said. “Guys would get thrown about the club. Sometimes the DBs wouldn’t come up and tackle.”
That’s a tough pill to swallow for a program that built its dynasty on toughness and physical dominance. Ragland’s comments echo what many former players have expressed-concern that the edge that defined the Saban era is slipping.
“I feel like y’all weren’t physical a lot during the year,” Ragland added. “Even if you’re working your ass off and you’re missing plays, at least you can be physical out there and let them know you still there.”
There’s a fine line between constructive criticism and dwelling on the past, but Ragland’s message is clear: toughness still matters. And if Alabama wants to reclaim its spot atop the college football mountain, it’ll need to bring that edge back-fast.
Final Thought
From gymnastics to football, it’s a pivotal time across the board for Alabama athletics. Whether it’s proving something on the mat, closing out tight games on the court, or answering big questions under center, the Tide is in the middle of a defining stretch. Let’s see who steps up.