Alabama’s frontcourt is already loaded for 2026-27, but Nate Oats may still be doing his homework on one more big man.
The Crimson Tide technically have a full 15-man roster, and Oats has already checked a lot of boxes this offseason. Alabama brought in an elite recruiting class, kept key pieces in place, and made multiple moves in the Transfer Portal. The biggest emphasis, though, was up front, and the Tide answered that by adding Brandon Garrison from Kentucky, Jamarion Davis-Fleming from Mississippi State, and Drew Fielder from Boise State.
Even with those additions, Oats may not be finished.
A Colorado judge recently granted a preliminary injunction to outgoing seniors from the class of 2022, giving them a fifth year of eligibility. There is also a belief that the ruling temporarily suspended roster limits for that class. If that turns out not to be the case, opportunities around the market could get tight quickly, which at least creates options for players in that group.
One of the biggest names to surface is former Michigan State big man Jaxon Kohler. He moved right to the top of the available market, and J on Rothstein reported interest from BYU, Kansas, and Kentucky. Alabama has also made contact, according to Kohler’s father.
“Chatting more on Monday.
- Jeff Kohler (@tradingaddicts) August 2, 2026
Alabama has reached out to former Michigan State big man Jaxon Kohler”
Kohler’s appeal is easy to see. He averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game last season for the Spartans, while also giving them real floor spacing by hitting 38.9% of his three-pointers on 149 attempts. On the glass, he was a force, posting a 25.0% defensive rebounding rate.
Still, Alabama doesn’t exactly need him. The Tide already have what might be the deepest frontcourt of the Oats era, with the three portal additions joined by returning bigs Keitenn Bristow and Collins Onyejiaka, plus Canadian big TJ St. Louis from the 2026 recruiting class.
That’s why Kohler feels like a luxury rather than a necessity. Oats has never been shy about exploring ways to improve his roster, so it makes sense that Alabama would at least kick the tires on a player with Kohler’s resume. But the fit comes with a big caveat: this looks like a long shot.
The schools Rothstein named appear to have bigger needs and more money to attack them, while Alabama has likely already put most of its available resources into this roster. If Kohler is set on playing in this system and willing to take a significant discount, the Tide could have a shot. Otherwise, this one does not look especially likely.
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