Alabama Climbs To No. 8 In Latest AP Poll As Tide Continues National Surge

Alabama basketball continues its climb up the national ladder, rising to No. 8 in the latest AP Top 25 poll released Monday.

It marks another significant step forward for a Crimson Tide team that has shown steady growth, resilience, and perhaps most importantly, the potential to be one of the nation’s strongest contenders as the season unfolds.

The jump into the top eight follows an impressive stretch of performances. Alabama’s schedule has been one of the toughest in college basketball, featuring matchups with No. 1 Purdue, ranked Illinois, and a strong Gonzaga team. Instead of wilting under the pressure, the Tide have sharpened their identity.

They’ve learned how to adjust in real time, respond from losses, and handle the weight of high expectations.

What has separated this year’s Alabama team is its depth and versatility. Nate Oats’ roster features multiple scoring options, improved rebounding efforts, and a defensive edge that continues to develop.

In their recent road win over Illinois, Alabama showcased its ability to execute under pressure and close out a tight game away from home, an attribute that top-10 teams must possess.

Offensively, Alabama continues to be one of the most explosive units in the nation.

Their pace, spacing, and perimeter shooting create constant problems for defenses, while their renewed commitment to attacking the glass has given them more second chance opportunities and late game control. Young players are growing quickly, veterans are stepping into leadership roles, and the entire roster appears bought in to Oats’ system.

Notably, Alabama’s rise to No. 8 signals more than just respect from voters, it reflects the consistency the program has been chasing.

Over the past several seasons, Alabama has earned a reputation as a modern, analytics driven program capable of competing with college basketball’s blue bloods. This ranking reinforces that status.

With SEC play approaching, the challenge now is staying there.

But if the Tide continue trending upward, maintaining their offensive firepower and sharpening defensively, the ceiling may be even higher than No. 8.

For Alabama, this ranking isn’t a destination, it’s a launch point for what could be a special season.

Roll Tide!