In a significant milestone for Alabama basketball, head coach Nate Oats secured his 26th victory over an Associated Press top-25 opponent with a 96-83 win against No. 17 Kentucky on February 22, 2025. This achievement surpasses the previous program record held by legendary coach Wimp Sanderson. Notably, Oats reached this milestone in just six seasons, whereas Sanderson took 12 seasons to amass 25 ranked wins.
The victory also marked Alabama’s eighth win over a ranked opponent in the current season, setting a new single-season record for the program. This surpasses the previous record of seven ranked wins set by Oats’ 2022-23 team.
Oats’ tenure at Alabama has been marked by impressive achievements against top-tier competition. Of his 26 ranked victories, 11 have come against top-10 teams, including six against top-five opponents and two against teams ranked No. 1. This record underscores his ability to prepare and lead his team effectively in high-stakes matchups.
Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, Oats expressed pride in his team’s resilience and performance, especially following back-to-back losses to ranked teams prior to the Kentucky game. He emphasized the importance of the win not just for the record, but for the team’s momentum as they approach the postseason.
Looking ahead, Alabama faces a challenging schedule with upcoming games against No. 21 Mississippi State, No. 6 Tennessee, No. 2 Florida, and No. 1 Auburn. These matchups provide further opportunities for Oats and his team to solidify their standing and continue their record-setting performances against ranked opponents.
Currently, Oats boasts a 139-59 record during his tenure at Alabama. He led the Crimson Tide to their first-ever Final Four appearance last year and has guided the team to all four NCAA tournaments held during his time as head coach. With a current season record of 22-5 overall and 11-3 in the Southeastern Conference, Alabama is projected as a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament, positioning them well for a deep postseason run.
In summary, Nate Oats’ record-breaking achievement not only highlights his coaching prowess but also signifies a period of sustained excellence for Alabama basketball. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, both Oats and his players are poised to build upon this histor
ic success.
