
Michigan Surges Past Alabama to Reach Elite Eight
No. 1 seed Michigan defeated No. 4 seed Alabama 90-77 in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, fueling a wave of social media reactions as the Wolverines move on to the Elite Eight.
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No. 1 seed Michigan defeated No. 4 seed Alabama 90-77 in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, fueling a wave of social media reactions as the Wolverines move on to the Elite Eight.

At Alabama’s Pro Day, Ty Simpson said he should be a first-round pick and that as a program changer, he would not only improve himself but also elevate his future team, promising to leave any franchise better than he found it.

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky argues Alabama's Ty Simpson is the best quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, saying he can do more with less and make 'real NFL throws' better than Fernando Mendoza. He suggests Simpson could be a value pick in the 15–20 range rather than Mendoza’s top-pick slot. Mendoza, who starred at Indiana and Cal, has more starting experience and a taller frame. Simpson’s 2025 line: 3,567 yards, 28 TDs, 5 INT; Mendoza had 3,535 yards, 41 TDs and 6 INT across two college stops. Mendoza denied any ulterior motive or agency influence behind the praise.

Alabama rolled to a 90-70 win over 13-seed Hofstra in the NCAA tournament opener, overcoming an early Hofstra run with a second-half surge led by Labaron Philon with 29 points (8 rebounds, 7 assists) and Aiden Sherrell's 15 points and 15 rebounds; Hofstra's Preston Edmead kept it close with 24 points, Amari Allen provided a late burst for Alabama, and the Tide's defense sealed the victory ahead of a Texas Tech matchup.

Aaron Estrada, a Hofstra alumnus who transferred to Alabama and helped them reach the 2024 Final Four, says he’d pick Hofstra in their March Madness matchup, staying connected to the Pride and even predicting a 90-85 Hofstra win. His former Hofstra coach Speedy Claxton has supported him, and Estrada emphasizes Hofstra’s defense and thriving under pressure to challenge Alabama’s perimeter shooting.

Alabama guard Aden Holloway was arrested on first-degree marijuana possession and failing to affix a tax stamp after police found about two pounds of cannabis in his Tuscaloosa apartment; he was released on bond and suspended from the team as Alabama investigates, with coach Nate Oats saying the program will prepare for the NCAA tournament without him.

Ole Miss, the No. 15 seed in the SEC Tournament, completed a three-game, no-trail run by beating Alabama and staying alive for an NCAA bid with two more wins. The piece also tracks Friday’s bracketology moves: Oklahoma drops from at-large contention after a loss to Arkansas; Saint Louis and VCU advance in the Atlantic 10; Auburn’s bubble hopes fade; Illinois falls from a No. 2 seed after an OT loss; Purdue nudges back into the No. 2 seed mix; Seton Hall is eliminated; Arizona stages a late comeback to remain in the top seed discussion; Tennessee fades after a loss to Vanderbilt; and Florida remains on track for a potential No. 1 seed.

Mississippi, a 15-seed, stunned second-seeded Alabama 80-79 in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals in Nashville, led by AJ Storr (17) and Ilias Kamardine (16) while Labaron Philon poured in 28 for Alabama; Ole Miss advances to face Arkansas in the semifinals.

Talaysia Cooper was benched for the final 16:27 as Tennessee lost 76-64 to Alabama in the SEC Tournament; the team’s leading scorer exited late and coach Kim Caldwell framed it as a coach’s decision to test different lineups. The loss extends Tennessee’s skid to seven straight, and the Volunteers heads into NCAA Tournament selection with a projected No. 7 seed.

A judge denied Charles Bediako's request for an injunction pending appeal of his eligibility ruling, effectively preventing a return to Alabama this season. Bediako last played Feb. 7 vs. Auburn and sought relief to rejoin the Crimson Tide, while coach Nate Oats defended his decision. Alabama sits at 20-7 overall and 10-4 in the SEC and will face Mississippi State without him as his eligibility case remains unresolved.

An Alabama circuit judge denied Charles Bediako's motion for a preliminary injunction, ending the 7-foot center’s collegiate eligibility and his season with the Crimson Tide after he joined Alabama mid-season under a temporary restraining order amid questions about his eligibility. The 23-year-old had averaged 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in five games; NCAA President Charlie Baker said the court upheld the rules, and Alabama coach Nate Oats noted Bediako would stay on scholarship while pursuing a degree.

Florida coach Todd Golden’s pregame boast that the Gators would beat Alabama with or without Charles Bediako paid off, as Florida rolled to a 100-77 win. Bediako fouled out late while Florida’s big men Rueben Chinyelu and Alex Condon dominated in the post, and the crowd taunted Alabama. Oats had accused Florida of bending the rules, but Golden’s team is peaking at the right time ahead of March Madness.

Volunteers fans got a social-media laugh after Tennessee upset Alabama by posting a final-score graphic that cheekily tagged the Delaware Blue Coats of the G-League, sparking a playful exchange with the Blue Coats and fans; the piece also notes Alabama center Charles Bediako’s recent eligibility development amid the SEC rivalry.

A Tuscaloosa County judge issued a 10-day temporary restraining order allowing former Alabama center Charles Bediako to return to the Crimson Tide basketball program and practice with the team after he sued the NCAA over eligibility rules following his decision to enter the 2023 NBA Draft; a preliminary injunction hearing is set for Jan. 27, marking a notable challenge to current college-athlete eligibility rules amid professional opportunities.

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson faced multi-million NIL offers—peaking around $6.5 million from Miami, Tennessee, and Ole Miss—before choosing to enter the NFL draft, guided by Nick Saban’s advice to consider what he’d want to do without money. NFL teams reportedly viewed him as a possible first-round pick, but Simpson emphasized loyalty to Alabama and his family as he shifts from college to professional football.