Alabama Falls Out of AP Top 25 After Back-to-Back Losses

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  Sports and Competition on Mon, Feb 02nd, 2026 by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

TUSCALOOSA, AL - February 2nd, 2026 - The Alabama Crimson Tide have fallen out of the Associated Press Top 25 poll following back-to-back losses, raising concerns about their NCAA tournament prospects. The team, now 17-8 overall, received only 10 votes in the latest poll released today, a significant drop from their previous ranking of No. 18. This marks a turning point in what began as a promising season for the Crimson Tide.

The recent defeats - a 78-64 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday and a prior loss to South Carolina on Wednesday - have exposed vulnerabilities in Alabama's game and cast a shadow over their previously strong start. The Ole Miss game, in particular, saw the Rebels' Jaemyn Brewer dominate with 22 points, supported by Jaylen Murray's 16, highlighting Alabama's defensive struggles against a motivated opponent. The Crimson Tide simply couldn't contain the Rebels' offensive rhythm.

This isn't just about rankings; it's about the increasingly competitive landscape of NCAA basketball. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is proving to be exceptionally strong this year, with multiple teams vying for top spots. The current AP Top 25 reflects this, boasting a strong SEC presence with Auburn (No. 10), Kentucky (No. 8), Tennessee (No. 13), Florida (No. 14), and now Ole Miss (No. 24) all featured. Alabama's absence emphasizes the high bar for success within the conference.

What Does This Mean for Tournament Hopes?

While the AP poll isn't a direct selection criterion for the NCAA tournament, it's a significant indicator of a team's perceived strength and momentum. Falling out of the Top 25 increases the pressure on Alabama to perform consistently well in their remaining games. Analysts now believe Alabama will need to win at least 7-9 of their remaining regular season games to secure an at-large bid. A strong showing in the SEC Tournament will also be crucial.

"The margin for error is gone," states college basketball analyst, Brenda Matthews. "Alabama had built a decent resume, but these consecutive losses, especially against SEC opponents, have significantly weakened their profile. They'll need to prove they can rebound and demonstrate the same level of play they showed earlier in the season."

The Crimson Tide's schedule doesn't offer much breathing room. Upcoming matchups include games against tough opponents like Auburn, Kentucky and Tennessee. Victories in these games would be invaluable in restoring confidence and improving their tournament credentials.

Looking at the Top of the Poll

The latest AP Top 25 continues to be led by Houston (24-2), followed closely by Illinois (23-4) and Purdue (22-4). UConn (23-3) and Kansas (21-5) round out the top five. The stability at the top demonstrates the consistent performance of these programs. Ole Miss's inclusion at No. 24 is a testament to their recent success and a warning to other SEC teams.

Alabama's Path Forward

Coach Nate Oats and the Alabama coaching staff will need to reassess their strategy and address the issues that led to the recent losses. Improving defensive rotations, limiting turnovers, and finding more consistent offensive contributions from players beyond their leading scorers are all areas that need immediate attention. The team's leadership will also be vital in rallying the players and maintaining morale during this challenging period.

The next few weeks will be critical for Alabama basketball. The team's ability to overcome this adversity and regain their form will determine whether they can return to the Top 25 and, more importantly, secure a place in the NCAA tournament. The pressure is on, and all eyes will be on Tuscaloosa to see how the Crimson Tide respond.