Where ESPN ranks Alabama basketball in way-too-early 2026-27 rankings

ESPN’s Jeff Borzello has recently released his way-too-early top 25 for the 2026-27 college basketball season.

Alabama is ranked at No. 20 in Borzello’s early rankings, as the Tide will lose a multitude of talented playmakers to both the NBA draft and transfer portal this offseason. Alabama forwards Aiden Sherrell and Taylor Bol Bowen have already announced their entry into the transfer portal, while star guard Labaron Philon Jr. has declared for the NBA draft.

As a result, Alabama could turn to freshman playmakers’ Qayden Samuels and Jaxon Richardson as key contributors next season, but even despite that, the Crimson Tide will undoubtedly begin the 2026-27 campaign among the top 25 nonetheless.

Aden Holloway and London Jemison will play a critical role next season assuming they return to Tuscaloosa. Holloway was Alabama’s second leading scorer behind Philon this season, and Jemison could potentially thrive with an increased role next year.

Alabama ended the 2025-26 season with an overall record of 25-10, as the Tide will look to secure their first national championship in program history next year.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Where ESPN ranks Alabama in early 2026-27 college basketball rankings