Where Alabama Lands in Sports Illustrated’s Way-Too-Early College Basketball Top 25: A Comprehensive Breakdown

The world of college basketball is an ever-shifting landscape where expectations constantly evolve. Every offseason, fans, coaches, and analysts take a deep dive into the teams returning key players, the freshmen coming in, and the transfers shaking up the roster. Among the most exciting early indicators of a team’s potential are the “Way-Too-Early Top 25” rankings — a tradition where analysts project the most promising teams before the start of the season.

In the 2025 edition of Sports Illustrated’s Way-Too-Early College Basketball Top 25, the Alabama Crimson Tide finds itself prominently featured, sparking widespread excitement and debate among college basketball enthusiasts. Given the Tide’s recent performance in both the SEC and NCAA tournaments, it’s no surprise that Alabama continues to garner attention as a national powerhouse. This article aims to explore where Alabama lands in the rankings, why they earned that spot, and what makes the 2025 Crimson Tide team a title contender.

Alabama’s Recent Success in College Basketball

To understand where Alabama stands in Sports Illustrated’s rankings, we first need to look at the program’s trajectory over the past few years. Under head coach Nate Oats, Alabama has evolved into one of the top programs in the country. Oats, who took over in 2019, quickly reshaped the Crimson Tide into a team that could compete at the highest level in the NCAA. His offensive-minded approach, prioritizing pace and space with an emphasis on three-point shooting, has become synonymous with success.

In the 2022-2023 season, Alabama was a top-10 team for most of the year, finishing with a 31-6 record and making a run to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. However, it was in 2023-2024 that the program truly announced itself as a true national contender. The Crimson Tide finished the season with a remarkable 28-7 record, and their No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament highlighted their status as one of the best teams in college basketball. While Alabama’s tournament run ended in the Elite Eight, the team had firmly established itself as a premier program.

Alabama’s 2025 Way-Too-Early Ranking: No. 6 in the Country

In Sports Illustrated’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 for the 2025 season, Alabama secured the No. 6 spot, placing it among the elite teams in college basketball. This ranking is a reflection of the program’s growing consistency and Oats’ ability to build a sustainable winning culture. But what factors have led to Alabama being ranked so highly, and why do analysts believe that the Crimson Tide is poised for another deep run in 2025?

Key Returnees: The Backbone of Alabama’s Success

One of the primary reasons Alabama finds itself in the Top 10 in Sports Illustrated’s early rankings is due to the talent returning from the previous season. While some key players have departed, several important pieces will return, giving Oats the foundation to build a championship-contending squad.

Brandon Miller’s Departure and the Opportunity for Others to Shine

While the 2024 season saw the departure of Brandon Miller, one of the top players in college basketball who was drafted by the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, the Crimson Tide will have an opportunity to rally around new leaders. Miller’s departure leaves a significant hole, especially on the offensive end, but it also opens the door for other players to step up. Miller was the face of Alabama’s offense, but the team’s success was never solely reliant on one player. In 2025, Alabama will look to develop other players into primary scoring options.

Key Returners: Jahvon Quinerly and Mark Sears

Two key returners for Alabama in 2025 are Jahvon Quinerly and Mark Sears, who will be crucial to the team’s success.

• Jahvon Quinerly, a seasoned point guard, will likely take on more leadership responsibilities in the backcourt. Known for his ability to control the tempo of the game, Quinerly will be expected to improve his scoring while facilitating the offense. His court vision and basketball IQ make him an invaluable asset for Oats’ system, which emphasizes fast-paced offense and creating open looks.
• Mark Sears, a guard who has shown the ability to score efficiently from all levels, will be another critical figure for Alabama. As one of the team’s most reliable shooters, Sears can space the floor and create matchup problems for opposing defenses. With Miller’s departure, Sears is poised to take on a larger role and could emerge as a go-to scorer for the Crimson Tide in 2025.

Both players have the experience and skill set to carry Alabama offensively and help navigate the challenges of competing at the highest level of college basketball.

The Freshman Class: A New Wave of Talent

While returning players provide stability, Alabama’s recruiting class for 2025 brings new excitement. Oats has consistently recruited at a high level, and the freshmen entering the program will be integral to the team’s success. These incoming players are expected to make an immediate impact, particularly in the areas of shooting, defense, and athleticism.

One of the most highly touted freshmen in the 2025 class is Isaiah Collier, a dynamic point guard who is expected to contribute right away. Collier’s ability to run the offense, create for others, and score efficiently will give Oats more options in the backcourt. If Collier can quickly adjust to the college game, he will be a key asset for Alabama’s offensive attack. Additionally, Jai Smith, a highly regarded forward, will bring length, athleticism, and a presence on both ends of the floor. His versatility will allow him to play multiple positions and provide a defensive boost.

This infusion of new talent combined with returning veterans positions Alabama as one of the more complete teams in college basketball for 2025.

The Development of Alabama’s Defensive Identity

Alabama’s success in 2025 won’t be solely predicated on offense. Under Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide has built a reputation as a team that plays tough defense and gets out in transition. While their offense is fast-paced and free-flowing, Alabama’s defense has been just as crucial in its success. The key to Alabama’s rise to the top of college basketball has been its ability to disrupt opponents and force turnovers, and this will remain a focal point moving forward.

In the 2024 season, Alabama ranked among the top teams in the SEC in both scoring defense and defensive efficiency. The Crimson Tide’s ability to pressure the ball, switch on screens, and contest shots made it difficult for opposing offenses to get into a rhythm. As the 2025 season approaches, Alabama will look to build on this defensive prowess by focusing on further developing their perimeter defense and shot-blocking ability.

Returning players such as Noah Clowney, a forward known for his shot-blocking and rebounding, will be key figures in Alabama’s defensive schemes. His ability to protect the rim and challenge opposing big men will help create opportunities for Alabama to turn defense into offense. Alongside Clowney, others like Charles Bediako and Rylan Griffen will need to step up and contribute defensively, particularly when it comes to defending the pick-and-roll and closing out on shooters.

The Coaching Influence of Nate Oats

At the heart of Alabama’s success is Nate Oats, whose vision and leadership have transformed the Crimson Tide into a national contender. Oats’ offensive system, which prioritizes three-point shooting, spacing, and fast breaks, has allowed Alabama to compete with the best in college basketball. His ability to recruit top talent and adapt to the ever-evolving nature of the sport makes him one of the brightest young minds in coaching today.

What’s particularly impressive about Oats is his ability to develop players and get the most out of his roster. Under his tutelage, Alabama has produced NBA-caliber players, and his system has been tailor-made to maximize the strengths of each player. With a blend of returning stars, freshmen, and transfers, Oats is positioned to continue his success in 2025, helping Alabama push toward another deep NCAA tournament run.

SEC Dominance and National Competition

While Alabama is ranked No. 6 in Sports Illustrated’s Way-Too-Early Top 25, they will face fierce competition within the SEC, which continues to be one of the strongest conferences in college basketball. Programs like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas all present significant challenges, and Alabama will need to be at its best to win the conference title and secure a high seed in the NCAA tournament.

Nationally, the Crimson Tide will also have to contend with powerhouses such as Kansas, Duke, Purdue, and Houston, who will be competing for a national championship. But with the depth and talent Alabama has assembled, combined with the leadership of Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide has the tools to make a run at the top of the college basketball world.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead for Alabama Basketball

Alabama’s No. 6 ranking in Sports Illustrated’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 for the 2025 season reflects the immense talent and promise that the Crimson Tide possess. With a mix of returning veterans, a strong recruiting class, and a proven coaching staff, Alabama is poised for another successful season. While the competition will be fierce, the combination of Alabama’s high-octane offense, solid defense, and the leadership of Coach Oats makes them one of the top contenders in college basketball. The 2025 season has the potential to be another thrilling chapter in Alabama’s rise to national prominence.