A third former Alabama Crimson Tide basketball player has now officially reentered the NCAA transfer portal after a departure from the program last offseason, as reports emerged Monday morning that Rylan Griffen would be doing so.
Griffen, who spent the 2024-25 season at Kansas after transferring from Alabama, joins both Nick Pringle and Davin Cosby as members of the Crimson Tide’s Final Four team to reenter the transfer portal so far this offseason.
With the Jayhawks, Griffen appeared in 33 games at Kansas this past season as a junior, 20 of which he started. In those 33 games, Griffin averaged a combined 6.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game on 37.2% shooting from the field, as well as 33.6% from three and 67.5% at the free throw line.
At Alabama, Griffen, a former four-star and Top 100 recruit, appeared in a total of 73 games during his freshman and sophomore seasons with the Crimson Tide, averaging a combined 8.5 points per game. In 2023-24 as a sophomore, Griffen had a career-year by averaging 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game on 45.4% shooting from the field, as well as 39.2% from three and 81% at the free throw line.
Griffen also started 33-of-36 games as a sophomore that season, and was a key factor in Alabama reaching the Final Four. During the Crimson Tide’s five NCAA Tournament games, the guard averaged a combined 12.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, while also shooting a phenomenal 13-of-27 (48.1%) from three, as well as 50% from the field.
Having reportedly reentered the NCAA transfer portal, Griffen will now be looking for a new home next season. Could a return to Tuscaloosa be a potential option?
After producing back-to-back national champions, the Big Ten has taken over the top of college football. Now, the SEC is looking to strike back in 2025.
Terrible Star Wars jokes aside, the SEC must be seething as rivals Ohio State and Michigan claim national titles. The Big Ten’s run follows a stretch in which SEC stalwarts Georgia, Alabama and LSU combined to win four straight natties. The balance of power has shifted north, and that trend appears likely to continue next fall. Two Big Ten teams — Ohio State first and Oregon third — are among the three favorites to win the 2025 national championship, with Texas holding the nation’s second-best odds, according to FanDuel.
The SEC faces major questions, and several coaches are at pivotal moments in their careers heading into 2025. Alabama fans are already questioning the future after an uninspiring start to the Kalen DeBoer era. LSU’s Brian Kelly failed to win 10 games for the first time in eight years. Georgia fell short of the national championship with a lackluster College Football Playoff loss to Notre Dame.
Still, oddsmakers project the SEC to send 12 teams to bowl games in 2025 — one fewer than last season, when Vanderbilt stormed the scene with a 7-6 record that included an upset over No. 1 Alabama.
FanDuel recently released its win totals for the SEC’s 16 teams, setting the stage for offseason speculation — and an opportunity to project whether these teams will exceed expectations or fall short. Let’s examine each team, predict every game on the schedule and see if a surprise or two awaits in 2025.
Analysis: Fading Alabama in Year 2 under Kalen DeBoer has become popular after an inconsistent 2024 season, but I believe the Tide will rebound in 2025. DeBoer’s reunion offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and the expected transition to a quarterback better suited for the system should provide a boost.
Ty Simpson is the favorite to start under center, and DeBoer has praised him often this offseason. The expectation is for Alabama’s offense to be much more consistent. The schedule is favorable, though the toughest tests come on the road against rivals Georgia and Auburn. Those losses won’t sit well with Tide fans, but Alabama should still contend for the SEC title and a College Football Playoff spot. Pick: Over 9.5 (+110)
Analysis: Sam Pittman saved his job with a bowl appearance, but Arkansas endured significant roster turnover for a second straight offseason.
Taylen Green returns at quarterback, and while he’s prone to mistakes, he’s a big-play threat on every snap with Bobby Petrino calling the shots. The defense could take a step back without Landon Jackson rushing the passer, and early spring reports indicate struggles along the defensive line.
Despite all of this and a brutal SEC road slate, finding six wins on the schedule isn’t too difficult. Pittman cannot afford to lose the programs first-ever matchup against Arkansas State. The backlash would be unlike anything a Razorbacks coach has seen. Pick: Over 5.5 (-115)
Analysis: Auburn is a popular sleeper pick to reach the CFP, and it’s easy to see why. The Tigers are stacked, and with a competent quarterback finally at the controls, they are primed to tap into their immense offensive potential as the defense continues to improve.
Led by Cam Coleman the receiver room is loaded with potential game-breakers, and the offensive line looks solid for the first time since 2019. Auburn’s season opener at Baylor will be an early test. Road trips to Texas A&M and Oklahoma — quarterback Jackson Arnold’s former school — are dangerous. And remember, Freeze is 0-3 against Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. Pick: Over 7.5 (-148)
Wins: Long Island, South Florida, at Miami, Mississippi State, at Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida State Losses: at LSU, Texas, at Texas A&M, Georgia, at Ole Miss
Analysis: It’s tempting to pick Florida as a potential threat to reach the CFP. The Gators have a dynamic quarterback in DJ Lagway and a solid defense, but the schedule is brutally difficult.
Trips to Miami, LSU, Texas A&M and Ole Miss will be major challenges. Florida also plays just two home games during an eight-game stretch after opening the season with back-to-back games in The Swamp. The game at Kentucky looks winnable, and we’ll side with the Gators to get revenge for last year in their early-season showdown at Miami. That projects to a record similar to last season but without a strong finish. Pick: Over 6.5 (-148)
Analysis: Georgia loses 15 starters from a team that fell short of expectations last season. So the Bulldogs might take another step backward, right? Wrong.
The Bulldogs struggled last season because receivers dropped too many passes. The defensive line, while elite at times, lacked consistency from snap to snap and game to game. That should change this fall after Kirby Smart brought in multiple game-changing receivers, led by USC’s Zachariah Branch and Texas A&M’s Noah Thomas.
Georgia remains the sport’s premier program in recruiting, player retention and development. Gunner Stockton is a gamer, and even under heavy pressure, he repeatedly delivered in the CFP semifinal against Notre Dame. Pick: Over 9.5 (-178)
Analysis: Last year Kentucky missed a bowl game last season for the first time since 2015, and quarterback issues have plagued the Wildcats for the past two seasons. Now they turn to seventh-year senior Zach Calzada, who hopes his fourth school will be his best stop.
The Wildcats relied heavily on the transfer portal to revamp the roster after a 4-8 season that included just one SEC win. However, no one truly knows how this team will perform until preseason camp begins in August.
What we do know is Calzada’s past, which featured few highlights until his two-year stint at FCS Incarnate Word. We also know Kentucky’s schedule is among the toughest in the country. The Wildcats face all three SEC playoff teams from last season and travel to South Carolina and Auburn.
They’ll need some of that Mark Stoops magic this fall. Pick: Under 4.5 (+116)
Analysis: It’s easy to question Kelly’s coaching job so far with the Tigers, but that’s not the mindset here when all the evidence points to a big season for LSU.
The Tigers return the SEC’s leading returning passer in Garrett Nussmeier, and will have tremendous weapons around him. LSU signed the nation’s No. 1 transfer class, adding eight players from SEC rivals — including dynamic pass rushers Patrick Payton and Jack Pyburn, as well as two ready-made stars at receiver in Nic Anderson and Barion Brown.
LSU is replacing four starters along an offensive line that allowed just 15 sacks last season, the best mark in the conference. The schedule looks daunting, but even with losses to the toughest opponents on the road, there’s still a clear path to the CFP.
We’ll call for an early-season coin flip to go LSU’s way at Ole Miss after losing the opener to ACC favorite Clemson. Still, this schedule looks more like a 10-win slate than the nine-win mark we’re predicting today. Pick: Over 8.5 (-144)
Analysis: It can’t get much worse than last season at Mississippi State. Two wins, a blowout home loss to Toledo, and an 0-for-the-SEC conference record is never a good look for a first-year head coach.
As expected, the Bulldogs overhauled the roster again. Jeff Lebby added 27 players from the transfer portal, ranking 28th nationally. Including high school signees there are 51 new additions to the roster — the second-highest in the country.
Baylor transfer Blake Shapen is expected to start at quarterback for a second straight year.
As for the schedule? Yikes. The Bulldogs face four playoff teams from last season, but the coaching staff had a solid game plan in a close road loss at Arizona State last fall. We’re feeling generous, so we’ll give MSU a slight edge at home against the Sun Devils this season.
The SEC schedule doesn’t offer many chances for wins. The “easiest” game might be the trip to Arkansas. It’s possible MSU could go winless in conference play again. Lebby cannot afford an early-season loss at Southern Miss. Pick: Over 3.5 (-132)
Missouri
Over/under 7.5
Wins: Central Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, UMass, at Vanderbilt, Mississippi State Losses: Alabama, Texas A&M, at Oklahoma, at Arkansas
Analysis: Missouri’s rise has been fun to watch the last two seasons, but how will coach Eli Drinkwitz refuel the machine? The Tigers lose quarterback Brady Cook, three starting receivers (including superstar Luther Burden) and three starters on the offensive line.
The odds of the Tigers notching a third straight 10-win season are low, given a schedule that includes Alabama, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma. Still, the slate is much easier compared to others in the conference. The Tigers should contend for nine wins, but eight is more likely. Pick: Over 7.5 (-105)
Analysis: It’s a make-or-break year for coach Brent Venables, and he’s betting on himself to win big. He will handle defensive play-calling duties this fall after recording a second losing season in three years. Venables also made big changes on offense in hiring Washington State coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who brought along top-tier quarterback John Mateer to turn around a struggling Sooners attack.
The offensive line should be better after leading the nation in sacks allowed, as they mixed and matched lineups during the first nine weeks of last season. The receiver room has to improve after an injury-plagued year led to infuriating inconsistency across the offense, which ranked 124th in yards per play (4.81) and 128th in yards per pass attempt (6.1).
Venables pushed the right buttons in the offseason, but will it translate to more than six wins? Week 2 brings a home date with Michigan and an opportunity to get the program back on the map. Trips to Tennessee, Alabama and South Carolina are troublesome. Still, it’s not difficult to find seven wins on the schedule. These Sooners could surprise in the SEC this fall. Pick: Over 6.5 (-110)
Ole Miss
Over/under 8.5
Wins: Georgia State, at Kentucky, Arkansas, Tulane, Washington State, South Carolina, The Citadel, Florida, at Mississippi State Losses: LSU, at Georgia, at Oklahoma
Analysis: Are we falling for Lane Kiffin’s tricks again? Absolutely. The Rebels are sneakily stacked this year, even though many will point to the departures of six receivers, record-setting passer Jaxson Dart and superstar pass rusher Walter Nolen as significant losses. I’ll counter with the Portal King’s transfer class, which ranked No. 2 in the country. The impressive haul includes four pass catchers with more than 400 yards receiving last season.
Quarterback Austin Simmons has been impressive in spot duty and spring drills after spending two years as a backup. He knows the system and is prepared to shine. Dare we say (again) that Ole Miss might be a playoff contender this season? Pick: Over 8.5 (-188)
Analysis: How could you not fall in love with South Carolina late last season? Quarterback LaNorris Sellers blossomed into a star, leading a late-season road upset over Clemson that put the nine-win Gamecocks firmly in the playoff conversation. All-American defensive end Kyle Kennard is off to the NFL, but edge rusher Dylan Stewart is a superstar in waiting after piling up 51 pressures as a true freshman last season, according to Pro Football Focus. The defense should be stout once again.
So, why the hesitation on picking a nine- or 10-win season? The receiver room doesn’t seem all that great, and Sellers needs help as he continues to develop as a passer. Also, that schedule is challenging. Trips to Missouri, LSU and Ole Miss are tricky, and hosting Alabama, Oklahoma and ACC favorite Clemson is no picnic. Still, the Gamecocks’ returning starters won’t lack confidence after close calls with Alabama and LSU last season. Pick: Under 7.5 (+118)
Tennessee
Over/under 9.5
Wins: Syracuse, East Tennessee State, Georgia, UAB, at Mississippi State, Arkansas, at Kentucky, Oklahoma, New Mexico State, Vanderbilt Losses: at Alabama, at Florida
Analysis: This is an incredibly difficult pick, so I’m not sure I would touch this win total if I were a betting man. I believe the margin for error is wide for the Volunteers this fall — wider than LSU and Ole Miss — which makes me hesitate. Even so, I’m high on Rocky Top this offseason. I love Nico Iamaleava, and though he faces immense pressure with an $8 million NIL deal, he has the talent to excel in Josh Heupel’s offense this fall. Plus, the defense is set to continue its top-10 finishes with 67% of its production returning, according to ESPN’s SP+.
Oh, and that schedule is conducive to a double-digit win season. The Vols get Georgia and Oklahoma at home and travel to Alabama and Florida. We’ll go with an upset win against Georgia to push the Vols to 10 victories. There’s a wide spread here, and four losses are not out of the question, either.
Analysis: Before we discuss Arch Madness, let’s focus on a few issues the Longhorns must address this offseason. Texas breaks in a new offensive line and must replace two of its top three receivers and two stellar defensive tackles. That said, the Longhorns have recruited exceptionally well and hit on some big pickups in the transfer portal, setting Arch Manning up for a big debut season as the full-time starting quarterback.
Many will project Texas’ season based on its performance in the season opener at Ohio State, but we’ll use that as a barometer rather than a judgment call. In fact, we’re picking a loss. The toughest games on the schedule are at Georgia and Florida. We see a path to 10 wins, but barely.
Analysis: The Aggies will be a popular dark horse pick to win the SEC, but their schedule paints a much different picture. Trips to Notre Dame, LSU, Texas and Missouri more than make up for dodging Alabama. Mike Elko returns 71% of the team’s production, ranking sixth in the country, and all five starters along the offensive line are back to protect quarterback Marcel Reed.
Again, we understand the hupe, but we can’t ignore their 1-4 finish to last season and the incredibly difficult schedule this fall.
Wins: Charleston Southern, Georgia State, Utah State, Kentucky Losses: at Virginia Tech, at South Carolina, at Alabama, LSU, Missouri, at Texas, Auburn, at Tennessee
Analysis: You want to love Vanderbilt. Quarterback Diego Pavia makes this team must-see TV nearly every week, and with the eighth-most returning production in the country, the Commodores are in position to reach a bowl game for a second straight year.
There’s just one problem: Alabama isn’t coming to town, and neither is Tennessee. The brutal schedule makes it difficult to pick up wins on the road with Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas and Tennessee on the schedule.
Heading into the second week of spring practice, Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer addressed the position and what stands out about several of the running backs.
“It’s nice to see,” DeBoer said. “We had just some health issues throughout the season last year. So I’m gonna be honest, there’s some times where I’m seeing things for the first time, too, with a few of them.”
Not Jam Miller, though. He’s back for his senior season after starting for the Crimson Tide in 2024. He ran for 668 yards and seven touchdowns on 145 carries a season ago.
“We know what Jam can do,” DeBoer said. “You all know, as well, and have seen a lot of him. He continues to just work, whether it’s in the weight room here in the offseason and then just a new quarterback and do his thing there. Most of the stuff is the same, but even a few little things that we’re doing differently just to fit him in the offense. Things that coach (Ryan) Grubb brings. Things that we just want to continue to evolve as we know our personnel better, know what Jam does really well.“
The rest of the group includes returners Richard Young, Kevin Riley and Daniel Hill. Then Alabama added Dre Washington from Louisiana and freshman AK Dear.
With Jalen Milroe off to the NFL, Alabama football needs to find a new quarterback for the 2025 season. That won’t be the only change to the Crimson Tide offense in his absence, as Milroe led the team in rushing as well as passing yards.
None of the three competitors, Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, are as mobile as Milroe. According to UA head coach Kalen DeBoer, the offense will look different this coming season.
“You kind of think, ‘Well, the runs Jalen had just translate over to running backs,’” DeBoer told reporters Tuesday in Tuscaloosa. “But I think a lot of it was a style of offense too. To me, those runs should go to the running backs, but they also might be a few more pass attempts that you have, that the play-action game gets opened up by, with more handoffs to the tailbacks.
“I see a lot of that developing right now with the play-action game, because there are more carries that the running backs have. The system is the same, the concepts are the same, it’s just what direction, you call more plays when it comes to the style of runs, which are definitely more tailback-oriented right now, for sure, than what we saw a year ago.”
Jam Miller returns to his role as the top running back for the Crimson Tide. Behind him, Justice Haynes transferred to Michigan, so Richard Young is expected to take more carries.
Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley are also back after playing reserve roles last year, and will be joined by freshman AK Dear. Dre Washington joins the room as well, after he transferred into Alabama from Louisiana.
DeBoer said the running back group dealt with injuries last season, so he was seeing things for the first time from some of the players at the position. He broke down the group, beginning with praise for Miller’s presence.
“We know what Jam can do, you guys know as well and have seen a lot of him,” DeBoer said. “He continues to just work, whether it’s in the weight room here in the offseason. And then just a new quarterback, do his thing there. Most of the stuff is the same, but even a few little things that we’re doing differently just to fit him in the offense.”
Washington’s addition provides another veteran presence at running back for Alabama. He rushed for 478 yards and five touchdowns last season for the Ragin’ Cajuns.
DeBoer described the 5-foot-9, 218-pound redshirt senior’s game.
“I think he’s a little combination of, kind of, all the guys,” DeBoer said. “Kevin’s probably our shiftiest, kind of the explosive guy on the roster. Dre is compact, much like you would maybe we with Daniel and Rich, but has got some shiftiness to him. I like his mindset, he just comes here ready to work, knows he’s got a lot to learn and focused on what he can control.”
Alabama returned to the practice field Tuesday after pausing spring practice due to spring break. The Crimson Tide will continue spring ball through April 12, when it will play the annual A-Day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman James Smith (23) celebrates after a missed Auburn Tigers field goal attempt during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
James Smith has many Alabama football fans excited about his potential ahead of his third season with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Smith is a junior for the Alabama Crimson Tide and a former five-star prospect.
The Montgomery, Alabama native played in all 13 games for Alabama last season, finishing the year with 20 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack and five quarterback hurries. His best game was against Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl when he had four tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack.
Alabama defensive lineman, LT Overton feels the energy Smith brings to the table is contagious.
“James is a hell of a player,” Overton said. “Just talking about somebody with motor, that’s going to be James. When James getting hyped, the whole defense getting hyped. So like him just being out there on that field really is a big impact. I don’t think he realizes how much of an impact he is.”
The Tide’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack commented on Smith taking a bigger role last week.
“I think you saw guys that started taking steps in the bowl game against Michigan,” Wommack said, “I thought certainly James Smith had a great game and is going to take more of a central role for us moving forward.”
Smith is expected to be a major part of a good Alabama defensive front in 2025.
Lewis Hamilton faces a tough task against demon qualifier Charles Leclerc (Image: Getty)
Helmut Marko has taken a fresh dig at Lewis Hamilton ahead of his Ferrari debut. More than a year after announcing his seismic move to F1’s most illustrious team, the seven-time world champion will finally don red at a grand prix at this weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Hamilton endured a disappointing final season with Mercedes and was often outperformed by team-mate George Russell. That led to questions being raised about his motivation levels after almost two decades in F1. The 40-year-old insists he feels reinvigorated by his move to Ferrari, who arguably boast the strongest driver line-up on the grid. However, he faces a stern test against team-mate Charles Leclerc, widely regarded as the best qualifier in the sport.
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Qualifying has been Hamilton’s weakness in recent years. He has had just one pole since 2021 and was routinely beaten on a Saturday by Russell last season. Outspoken Red Bull advisor Marko says it will be crucial for Hamilton to keep pace with Leclerc as quickly as possible.
“In Bahrain [testing], Leclerc was the much faster one,” Marko told sport.de. “But that’s normal. He knows the team, he knows the car. Hamilton drove a lot of laps, gradually improved, but was not quite at Leclerc’s level.”
Arne Slot previews PSG clash
On the importance of qualifying, Marko said: “One is a world champion, the other is chasing his first title, but is one of the best qualifiers. And because the field is relatively close together, three or four tenths of a second difference in qualifying can make up three to five grid positions.
Marko reckons Hamilton’s motivation could be sapped if he struggles to keep pace with Leclerc on a Saturday. The Max Verstappen ally added: “As I said, these are early days. And again, Hamilton can both supernaturally improve, but it could also be that if the factors don’t fit together, he sees no chance of winning, that he then loses some of his motivation. ”
”While Red Bull had an underwhelming pre-season test in Bahrain, Marko said he expected more of Ferrari, who appear to be a step behind constructors’ champions McLaren. He said via GP Blog during the test: “Ferrari was a little disappointing because we expected more from them.”
Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney (15) walks off the field after defeating Michigan in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday January 1, 2020. Mck | Mickey Welsh, Montgomery Advertiser via Imagn Content Services, LLC
NFL free agency got off to a blazing start this week and we’re seeing new moves come in for former Alabama football playmakers. At this time last season, stud safety Xavier McKinney put the pen to paper on a new head-turning contract with the Green Bay Packers and he was brilliant in his first year with his new team.
However, McKinney was hoping to stay with the New York Giants, the team that drafted him back in 2020. Instead of paying him, though, GM Joe Schoen let both McKinney and Saquon Barkley sign with different teams. How’d that end up for him?
Xavier McKinney appears to have taken a shot at the NY Giants over signing Jevon Holland
In his most recent Twitter post, McKinney said, “You thought last season was impressive … okay bet watch this, you ain’t seen (expletive) yet.” Taking a look at the replies to his post, NFL fans are convinced McKinney is taking a shot at the Giants.
Last year, McKinney didn’t hide his feelings on his former team. That didn’t stop him from putting on a show in the NFC North, though, as the veteran defensive back made Brian Gutekunst quite happy with a 2024 season to remember. McKinney was named a Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro after posting a career-high eight interceptions.
Holland has five INTs over the past four seasons. McKinney is happy to call Green Bay home and he’s now extra motivated to remind Schoen that he blew it by not getting a multi-year deal done with him when he had the chance.
Jonathan Allen of Alabama Released by Commanders: Roll Call, March 8, 2025
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Sept 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) plays against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sept 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) plays against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Former Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen was released by the Washington Commanders on Friday. After requesting a trade last week, the Commanders chose a different path to save salary cap space.
Allen, 30, was selected by Washington as the 17th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and has been a key figure for the team ever since. A two-time Pro Bowler, Allen ranks 10th on the Commanders’ all-time sack list with 42 and second in franchise history in tackles for loss (60) and quarterback hits (118).
Allen made the news official through a thank you post on Instagram:
“It’s never easy to say goodbye,” Allen shared. “This franchise is all I’ve known. It’s been a part of me long before I was drafted here. This place has always felt like home, and I’ve embraced everything about representing the Washington Commanders on and off the field. Through all the highs and lows, I’ll forever be grateful for the chance this team gave me in 2017 as a 22-year-old. Trust me, I’ll never forget that.
“It’s been the greatest honor of my life to wear ‘Washington’ on my chest for eight years. It’s something special, if you know, you know.
“Hannah and I have been surrounded by so much love since we moved here. The friends we’ve made have become family, and we’ll cherish these memories forever. Our relationships are everything.
“To every coach and teammate I’ve had, I’ve given this game everything I have. I’m thankful for everything I’ve learned along the way. I’ll never forget this journey we’ve all shared.
“All I’ve ever wanted was to WIN here. This fanbase deserves it, this organization deserves it, and last season was just the beginning!
“With love, Jon Allen”
Today’s Crimson Tide Schedule:
Men’s Golf at The Hayt, All Day, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Swimming and Diving at NCAA Zone Championships, All Day, Auburn, Ala.
Men’s Tennis at Arkansas, 12 p.m. CT, Fayetteville, Ark., Watch
Did You Know?
Alabama football is adding Tevin Madison as a defensive backs assistant. Madison, a former Kansas State graduate assistant, previously worked as a defensive backs coach at Illinois State.
The Detroit Lions currently have four starters from Alabama: running back Jahmyr Gibbs, wide receiver Jameson Williams, cornerback Terrion Arnold, and safety Brian Branch. Alabama 2025 NFL Draft prospects Jalen Milroe, Malachi Moore, Tim Smith, CJ Dippre, Robbie Ouzts, and Que Robinson spoke about the quartet.
Alabama football will host three high school camps, a kicking camp, and a youth camp this summer. Register for the dates between June 2-21 via this link.
Alabama football took part in Read Across America at a local elementary school.
Countdown to the Crimson Tide’s 2025 Football Season Opener:
175 days
On This Day in Crimson Tide History:
March 8, 1982: Over 1,000 people, including many of Paul W. “Bear” Bryant’s former players, attended a $125-a-plate black-tie dinner at the Sheraton Hotel in Washington, D.C., honoring the legendary coach. In a phone call, President Ronald Reagan told Bryant: “The real contribution you have made are the differences you have made in the lives of so many young people.”
Crimson Tide Quote of the Day:
“If wanting to win is a fault, as some of my critics seem to insist, then I plead guilty. I like to win. I know no other way. It’s in my blood.”
12 of his team-high 23 points in the final four minutes to help power top-seeded Lipscomb to a 76-65 win over North Alabama on Sunday to win the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament championship and claim an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.
The Bisons (25-9) finished tied with North Alabama (24-10) for the regular season championship with 14 wins and were the No. 1 tournament seed. Lipscomb needed overtime to get past sixth-seeded Queens in the semifinals The Lions were seeded second and beat fourth-seeded Jacksonville to reach the final.
Jacari Lane’s jumper gave North Alabama the lead with 11:46 left and Donte Bacchus converted a three-point play for a 53-49 advantage. Jacob Ognacevic hit three of four free throws and Will Pruitt hit from 3 for a 55-53 lead and Gyasi Powell hit a 3 with 4:13 left to put Lipscomb in front for good.
Anderson hit from deep to make it 65-60 and Anderson hit from 3 in a 7-0 run to take a 10-point lead with 1:34 left and converted 3 of 4 from the line in the final minute.
Anderson was 6 of 9 from the field, including 4 of 7 from deep, and hit 7 of 8 from the line with four assists, two steals and three blocked shots to lead Lipscomb. Pruitt was a perfect 10-for-10 from the line and finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Powell hit 4 of 6 from 3-point range to add 16 points and Ognacevic had 14 points with nine rebounds.
Lane finished with 18 points and Corneilous Williams scored 15 points with seven rebounds to lead North Alabama. Will Soucie had 10 points with six boards and Taye Fields pulled down 12 rebounds to go with his six points.
Kalen DeBoer faces a big decision after Jalen Milroe’s departure from the Alabama Crimson Tide program, as he needs to find the quarterback who will lead the team back to the College Football Playoff. According to Josh Pate, the answer to this dilemma may already be clear.
The top contenders for the starting quarterback role are Ty Simpson, Keelon Russell, and Austin Mack. While four candidates are in the running, Coach DeBoer is expected to focus on developing Ryan Grubb to get him ready as a potential signal-caller in Tuscaloosa.
Pate believes that Simpson is the clear frontrunner, even going as far as to suggest that Alabama fans might want to place a bet on him, as reported by CBS Sports.
“I’ve done some digging… I think Ty Simpson’s the overwhelming favorite to win that starting job,” Pate stated.
He further emphasized this, comparing the situation to the battle between Jalen Hurts and Blake Barnett. Pate also acknowledged the significance of DeBoer’s previous connection with Austin Mack, whom he recruited while at Washington, but still expressed confidence that Simpson is likely to win the job.
Currently, Simpson is the strong favorite, with odds of -650 to secure the starting quarterback role, though things could change once spring football begins.
