Alabama Basketball Shows Class in Oxford, While Football Eyes the Future on Multiple Fronts
Alabama basketball handled business on the court in Oxford, but it was what happened off the hardwood that turned heads. After the Tide’s win over Ole Miss, head coach Nate Oats revealed a behind-the-scenes moment of sportsmanship that stood out in a sport where heated rivalries and rowdy student sections are the norm.
Oats shared that Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard reached out ahead of the game to ensure that Alabama center Charles Bediako would be treated with respect by the Rebels' fan base. Bediako, who’s faced taunts like “G League dropout” during road games this season, didn’t have to deal with any of that noise in Oxford-and that was no accident.
“He said, ‘Look, I assure you that’s not happening here. I’ve already met with the cheering section and everything’s going to be positive here,’” Oats explained.
Beard also dropped by Alabama’s shootaround and handed Oats a note to pass along to Bediako-a move Oats described as one of the classiest gestures he’s seen in coaching.
“It was one of the most classy notes to a kid from an opposing coach, and it doesn’t happen often,” Oats said. “He didn’t do it to get any recognition.”
In a sport where student sections are known for pushing the limits, Beard’s gesture wasn’t just rare-it was refreshing. And for Bediako, who’s had to tune out his fair share of noise this season, it was a reminder that respect still has a place in college basketball.
Crimson Tide Football: Coaching Shuffle and a Backfield Rebuild
On the football side, Alabama continues to reshape its staff under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. The latest move: hiring Richard Owens as tight ends coach. A source confirmed the hire, which fills the vacancy left by Bryan Ellis, who’s shifting to quarterbacks coach heading into the 2026 season.
Owens, a Louisville alum, has spent the last three seasons coaching the Cardinals’ offensive line. He’s no stranger to the trenches, having also worked at UAB and Georgia Southern-where he doubled as run game coordinator. And while his recent focus has been on O-line play, Owens brings a solid background in coaching tight ends, which adds versatility to DeBoer’s offensive staff.
That versatility might come in handy. Fixing the run game is still high on Alabama’s to-do list after a 2025 campaign that left plenty to be desired on the ground.
But let’s be clear: the Tide weren’t the worst in the SEC when it came to blocking. According to Pro Football Focus, South Carolina, Texas, and Vanderbilt all allowed more pressures.
Still, Alabama’s offensive line wasn’t exactly a strength-and that’s something this new staff is looking to change.
There’s reason for optimism, especially with the talent coming into the backfield. The headline name?
Crowell. The Jackson High School product capped his senior season with a staggering 2,632 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns.
He’s one of the most highly regarded in-state running backs Alabama’s landed in years, and he’s stepping into a room that’s quietly stacked.
Joining Crowell is fellow freshman Trae’shawn Brown, while returners like AK Dear and Kevin Riley bring depth and long-term upside. All four backs have multiple years of eligibility, giving Alabama a foundation that could carry the run game well into the future.
Ty Simpson’s NFL Stock on the Rise
And then there’s Ty Simpson. The Alabama quarterback has officially earned an invite to the NFL Combine and is generating serious buzz as a potential first-round pick.
Several mock drafts have Simpson pegged for the New York Jets, who hold picks No. 2, No. 16, and No.
- NFL analysts like Chad Reuter (NFL.com), Max Chadwick (Pro Football Focus), and The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman all project Simpson to land with the Jets at No.
- Others, like ESPN’s Field Yates, see a fit with the Pittsburgh Steelers at No.
Wherever he lands, Simpson's rise is a testament to his development and the poise he showed during his time in Tuscaloosa. His arm talent, mobility, and leadership have clearly caught the attention of NFL scouts-and his name is one to watch as draft season heats up.
From hardwood sportsmanship to coaching hires and NFL dreams, it’s been an eventful week in Tuscaloosa. Alabama’s programs are evolving, but the standard remains the same: excellence on and off the field.