#alabama

Mina Kimes Breaks Down Why Ty Simpson Is a Shocking 2026 Draft Outlier Ty Simpson, the Alabama quarterback, has emerged as a significant outlier in the 2026 NFL Draft discussions, according to ESPN analyst Mina Kimes. Despite his projected status as a first-round prospect, Simpson’s physical profile and limited college experience have raised red flags among draft evaluators. Kimes argues that Simpson’s measurements, combined with his sparse starting history, position him as an unusual candidate for early-round selection. Simpson’s physical attributes stand out as a major concern. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 211 pounds at the NFL Combine, he joins a rare group of quarterbacks with similar dimensions. Kimes compiled a historical list of NFL quarterbacks since 2000 who were under 6-foot-2 and weighed less than 215 pounds while having more than 16 college starts. The list included names like Drew Brees, Russell Wilson, Michael Vick, Kyler Murray, Doug Flutie, and Bryce Young. Simpson’s size places him even smaller than most of these players, further complicating his draft prospects. Kimes’ analysis extends to the broader context of NFL success. She highlighted quarterbacks listed under 205 pounds who threw for over 5,000 career yards, including Kirk Cousins, Lamar Jackson, Jeff Garcia, Aaron Brooks, and Bryce Young. Among these, only Jackson and Young were drafted in the first round. This trend underscores the challenges faced by quarterbacks with Simpson’s physical profile, as they often struggle to meet the demands of professional football. Simpson’s college career adds another layer of uncertainty. With just 15 starting games under his belt, he falls far below the typical threshold for first-round quarterbacks. His 2024 season saw him accumulate 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 64.#alabama #nfl_draft #drew_brees #ty_simpson #mina_kimes

Alabama's Aden Holloway Allowed Travel to Sweet 16, But Remains Suspended Alabama's star player Aden Holloway has been granted permission to travel out of state for the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game against Michigan, but his suspension due to a felony drug arrest remains in effect. The university confirmed to CBS Sports that Holloway's status will not change, and he is expected to stay away from the team's activities in Chicago this weekend. Holloway, Alabama's second-leading scorer, has not played since his March 16 arrest on felony charges related to drug possession. The West Alabama Narcotics Task Force allegedly discovered 2.1 pounds of vacuum-sealed marijuana, packaging materials, and a rolling tray at his Tuscaloosa residence. While this amount fell short of the 2.2 pounds needed for a potential drug-trafficking charge, Holloway was still charged with first-degree marijuana possession and failure to affix a tax stamp, both classified as felonies in Alabama. The possession charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Authorities also found promethazine, a prescription sedative, at Holloway's apartment, which could lead to an additional charge for possessing the drug without a valid prescription. Holloway posted $5,000 bond following his arrest and has been suspended from the team since. Despite his absence, Alabama has advanced to the Sweet 16, with the team relying on players like Latrell Wrightsell and Labaron Philon Jr. to fill the void. Wrightsell has scored 55 points in two NCAA Tournament games, while Philon Jr. has contributed 38 points and 19 assists. The Crimson Tide's success without Holloway has been notable, as they defeated Hofstra and Texas Tech in the first round of March Madness.#alabama #tuscaloosa #sweet_16 #aden_holloway #narcotics_task_force

Alabama Faces High Wildfire Risk This Weekend: Impact on Spring Break Travel Alabama is under a high wildfire risk warning for the weekend, prompting concerns about the potential impact on spring break travel plans. Officials have issued urgent alerts due to worsening conditions, including dry air, strong winds, and low humidity, which are creating a volatile environment for fire spread. The state has already seen a surge in wildfires, with over 147 fires burning more than 5,600 acres in the past week. These incidents have affected multiple counties, including Wilcox, Montgomery, Marengo, Choctaw, Covington, Etowah, and Walker. The wildfire risk has escalated rapidly, with authorities declaring a Fire Danger Advisory for Friday and upgrading it to a Fire Alert for Saturday. While conditions may slightly improve on Sunday, the situation remains critical. Officials emphasize that the combination of dry vegetation, increasing wind speeds, and low humidity has made the state highly susceptible to rapid fire growth. Even small flames can quickly become uncontrollable, leading to significant threats to both natural areas and populated regions. To mitigate the risk, authorities have imposed strict restrictions on outdoor burning. On Friday, only certified burn managers are allowed to obtain permits, while no permits will be issued on Saturday. Permit issuance may resume on Sunday if weather conditions improve. Violating these rules is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, underscoring the seriousness of the measures. Firefighters and emergency services are on high alert, working to contain existing fires and prevent new ones from igniting. The current weather conditions are a key driver of the wildfire threat. Dry air has reduced moisture in vegetation, making grasslands and forests highly flammable.#alabama #wildfire_risk #spring_break_travel #fire_alert #wildfire_incidents

Alabama Women's Basketball Coach Kristy Curry Joins South Florida Kristy Curry, the head coach of the Alabama women's basketball team, has been hired as the new head coach at the University of South Florida, the school announced Tuesday. Curry, who has led Alabama since 2013, will leave Tuscaloosa after 13 seasons to take on the role at USF. Curry, 59, is a native of Louisiana and previously coached at Purdue from 1999 to 2006 before moving to Texas Tech from 2006 to 2013. Her tenure at Alabama saw the program return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999 in 2021, with the team making the tournament in each of the past four seasons. In the 2024-25 season, the Tide advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament before falling to Louisville in the second round with a 69-68 score. Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne praised Curry's contributions, stating that she led the program to 20-plus wins in each of the last five seasons and guided it back to the NCAA tournament. "We appreciate her contributions and wish her and her family well moving forward," Byrne said in a statement. Curry's coaching record at Alabama stands at 245-173. She signed a contract extension through 2030 last year, which paid her $700,000 annually. Despite the financial commitment, the women's basketball program reported a $4.7 million loss for the 2024-25 fiscal year, the largest deficit among all sports at the university. The program generated $764,000 in revenue, including $110,000 from ticket sales, against $5.4 million in expenses. Attendance at Alabama's home games averaged 2,950 this season, ranking third-lowest in the SEC, behind only Georgia and Florida.#alabama #south_florida #university_of_south_florida #kristy_curry #greg_byrne

Alabama and Louisville Clash in High-Scoring Start, St. John's Stuns Kansas to Reach Sweet 16 The game between Alabama and Louisville opened with a fast-paced exchange, as both teams traded baskets early to set the tone for a competitive matchup. Meanwhile, St. John’s University made a dramatic statement in the final seconds, pulling off a buzzer-beater to defeat Kansas and advance to the Sweet 16. The victory marked a historic moment for the Red Storm, who had been considered underdogs in the tournament. In another thrilling upset, the Iowa Hawkeyes rallied late in the fourth quarter to overcome the Florida Gators, securing a major victory in a game that had been closely contested throughout. Florida’s final defensive play drew criticism from analysts, with Stephen A. calling the decision “obviously stupid,” while others questioned the team’s strategy in the closing moments. The tournament also saw standout performances from individual athletes. St. John’s guard Darryn Peterson, despite a controversial play that raised questions about his draft stock, contributed significantly to the team’s win. Meanwhile, the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was ratified by players, with Nneka Ogwumike praising the outcome as a step forward for the league. Commentators and analysts weighed in on several topics, including the historic contract signed by quarterback Jordan St. John, which was hailed as a landmark deal. Stephen A. and Orlovsky both expressed confidence in the contract, with Orlovsky calling it “absolutely deserved.” However, some NFL veterans, like McCourty and Orlovsky, remained skeptical about players participating in the Olympics, arguing that it could detract from their professional commitments.#alabama #iowa_hawkeyes #louisville #kansas #st_john_s_university

Alabama's NCAA Tournament Hopes Rest on Taylor Bol Bowen's Return Alabama’s NCAA Tournament journey began with a strong showing against Hofstra, but the Crimson Tide’s path to a deep run in March Madness hinges on the return of a key player sidelined by injury. Labaron Philon dominated the game with 29 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in a 90-70 victory, but the team needed more than just Philon’s elite performance. The breakthrough came from a player described as the team’s X-Factor earlier in the season—Florida State transfer Taylor Bol Bowen. Bowen, who has battled multiple injuries throughout his junior season, appeared healthy for the first time in months during the game. Playing 21 minutes off the bench, he contributed 16 points, two rebounds, and three blocked shots while excelling defensively. His impact was especially notable on a night when Alabama struggled to make consistent three-pointers. Bowen’s ability to guard opponents and convert his shots from beyond the arc helped offset the team’s shooting woes, showcasing his value as a versatile defender and scorer. Coach Nate Oats praised Bowen’s performance, highlighting his resilience through a challenging season. “I’m super proud of Taylor,” Oats said. “He’s gone through a lot this year with all these injuries. At different points, he got frustrated. But man, he’s locked in for the last month.” Oats emphasized Bowen’s recent focus and intensity, noting that his defensive presence made a measurable difference. “We were 20 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor,” Oats added, underscoring the player’s critical role in the team’s success. Bowen’s performance against Hofstra echoed his impact during a pivotal non-conference win over St. John’s, where his contributions were instrumental in securing a road victory.#alabama #ncaa_tournament #hofstra #nate_oats #taylor_bol_bowen

Best March Madness Prop Bets Today The Round of 64 has seen a strong start for player prop bets, with a 2-1 record achieved by focusing on key matchups. The second day of action brings three standout prop bets, highlighting matchups where specific players are expected to perform. For those looking to place wagers, the latest edition of the Road to the Final Four provides insights into favorite sides and totals, while the best betting sites for these plays are also listed. The Miami (Ohio) vs. Tennessee matchup offers a compelling prop bet centered on rebounding. The Miami RedHawks, ranked 171st in rebounding percentage, have struggled to secure rebounds, grabbing only 50.1% of available opportunities against weaker opponents. In contrast, Tennessee ranks second in the nation in rebounding, with a 58.8% rebounding rate. The Volunteers’ top rebounder, Nate Ament, is positioned to dominate the glass, making this a key factor in the game’s outcome. Another top prop bet features Hofstra vs. Alabama, where the Crimson Tide’s three-point shooting prowess is expected to shine. Alabama leads the nation in three-point attempts and should maintain that approach against Hofstra, whose defensive weakness lies in perimeter defense. Hofstra’s ability to limit two-point field goals—ranking third in opponent two-point percentage, keeping teams to 44.2% from inside the arc—could leave Aiden Sherrell of Alabama with minimal defensive responsibilities. This setup allows Alabama’s guards to focus on scoring, making the game a potential high-scoring affair. The Utah State vs. Villanova matchup centers on Tyler Perkins, who has shown strong form in recent games. Perkins scored 18+ points in two of his last three contests, and his performance could be elevated against a Utah State team ranked 178th in opponent three-point field goal percentage.#alabama #miami_ohio #tennessee #hofstra #nate_ament

Alabama's Labaron Philon named third-team All-American by the AP Alabama guard Labaron Philon was honored with a third-team All-American designation by the Associated Press for the 2025-26 season. The Crimson Tide’s leading scorer earned the recognition, marking a significant achievement in his sophomore campaign. Philon, who averages 21.7 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game, has been a standout performer for Alabama. His shooting efficiency is notable, with a 50.9% field goal percentage, 40.2% from beyond the arc, and a 78.7% free-throw accuracy. The guard has consistently contributed to the team’s success, scoring 20 or more points in 19 of his 30 appearances. Philon’s selection places him among the top players in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), as he is one of three SEC representatives on the AP All-America Team. Alongside him are Arkansas’ Darius Acuff, who earned a first-team spot, and Florida’s Thomas Haugh, also named to the third team. This recognition highlights the strength of the SEC in collegiate basketball, with multiple players receiving national acclaim. The AP All-America Team is one of four major consensus lists, alongside selections from the National Association of Basketball Coaches, Sporting News, and the United States Basketball Writers Association. While the AP’s selection process is one of the most respected, it is not the only avenue for players to gain recognition. Sporting News also named Philon a third-team All-American, further validating his impact on the court. The 2025-26 AP All-America Team includes a diverse group of players from across the nation. Notable selections include Cameron Boozer of Duke, AJ Dybantsa from BYU, and Darius Acuff of Arkansas.#alabama #associated_press #labaron_philon #secon #ap_all_american_team

Ole Miss 76-72 Georgia (Mar 12, 2026) Game Recap NASHVILLE, Tenn. — No. 15 seed Ole Miss pulled off a stunning upset in the SEC Tournament’s second round, defeating seventh-seeded Georgia 76-72 on Thursday. The Rebels, who entered the game with a 14-19 record and had lost 12 of their previous 13 games, extended their tournament winning streak to two games after a strong first-round victory over Texas. AJ Storr led Ole Miss with 19 points, while Malik Dia added 17 to pace the Rebels’ offense. Travis Perry chipped in 16 points, and James Scott recorded 13 rebounds, seven points, and three blocks. Ilias Kamardine contributed eight points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals. For Georgia, Kanon Catchings scored 19 points, grabbed six rebounds, and recorded three steals, but the Bulldogs struggled offensively in the second half. The game took a dramatic turn in the second half as Georgia mounted a late rally. After trailing by as many as 23 points at halftime, the Bulldogs launched a 22-2 run in the final 7.5 minutes. Cain, Justin Bailey, and Jeremiah Wilkinson hit three 3-pointers within an 84-second span, culminating in a dunk by Dylan James that cut Ole Miss’ lead to 60-58. Perry answered with a 3-pointer, but Wilkinson and Catchings made back-to-back layups to keep Georgia within striking distance. Storr then scored eight consecutive points to seal the victory for Ole Miss. Ole Miss’ dominance in the first half was fueled by a stifling defensive performance. The Rebels held Georgia to just 26% shooting from the field and 8% from beyond the arc in the second half. The Bulldogs also committed 10 turnovers in their lowest-scoring half of the season. Storr’s highlight-reel steal and layup midway through the first half gave Ole Miss a 34-20 lead, setting the tone for the rest of the game.#sec_tournament #georgia #alabama #ole_miss #nashville_tenn

38 Buc-ee's Get 'F' Rating from Better Business Bureau. Here's Why Thirty-eight Buc-ee's locations across Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas have been assigned an "F" rating by the Better Business Bureau, the organization announced on March 11, 2026. The rating stems from the company’s failure to address 88 customer complaints submitted to the BBB. The oldest unresolved complaint dates back to March 2023, while the most recent was filed in February 2026. The BBB emphasized that the "F" grade reflects a pattern of poor responsiveness to consumer issues. The BBB’s rating system evaluates businesses based on public complaints, with grades ranging from A+ to F. A business receives an "F" when it fails to resolve a significant number of complaints or demonstrate accountability. In Buc-ee's case, the nonprofit noted that the company did not provide updates or solutions to the 88 unresolved issues. Customers reported problems such as malfunctioning car washes, defective or ineffective merchandise, and incorrect charges to credit cards. Some individuals stated they submitted complaints directly to Buc-ee's website but received no follow-up from the company. The BBB’s website clarifies that its ratings are not a guarantee of a business’s reliability but rather a tool for consumers to consider alongside other factors. The organization encourages users to review multiple sources of information before making purchasing decisions. Buc-ee's did not immediately comment on the "F" ratings when contacted by USA TODAY on March 11. Founded in 1912, the Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting transparency in business practices. It offers a platform for consumers to submit complaints, leave public reviews, and access accreditation programs for businesses.#georgia #alabama #kentucky #better_business_bureau #bucees

Tornado Watch issued for Mobile County, expansion to Northwest Florida expected A tornado watch has been issued for Mobile County, with the area expanding to include parts of Northwest Florida until 7 a.m. on Thursday. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather due to a line of severe thunderstorms developing to the west and moving toward the Gulf Coast. The storm system is organized along a cold front stretching from the Midwest into Texas, with a surge of warm, humid Gulf air ahead of the system fueling thunderstorms over Louisiana. These storms are expected to strengthen and move east overnight, posing threats of damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph and the potential for a few tornadoes, some of which could be strong. The timing of the storms indicates that the strongest part of the line will push east into Northwest Florida between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Thursday, with storms moving into southwest Alabama around midnight. While heavy rainfall is possible, the fast-moving nature of the storms is expected to limit overall flooding risks. Residents in coastal Alabama and Northwest Florida are urged to stay weather aware overnight and ensure they have multiple ways to receive warnings in case severe storms develop. The tornado watch covers counties shaded in yellow, with the entire WEAR viewing area under a level 2/5 severe storm risk. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the region’s vulnerability to severe weather, emphasizing the need for preparedness as the storm system progresses.#alabama #storm_prediction_center #gulf_coast #mobile_county #northwest_florida

Alabama's Ryan Williams Makes Jersey Changes Ahead of Potential Bounce-Back Season Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams is set to enter the 2026 college football season with a new jersey number and a revised name, signaling a fresh start as he prepares for his junior season. The rising junior, who previously wore number 2, will switch to number 1—a tribute to his high school days at Saraland High in Alabama. His name will also change to Ryan Coleman-Williams, incorporating his mother’s last name, Tiffany Coleman, as part of a personal branding effort. The update was hinted at during the 2025 season when Williams wore the names “Coleman” and “Williams” across his eye black during Alabama’s victory over Tennessee in October. He explained the decision afterward, stating, “It’s both of my last names. I just wanted to represent. That’s pretty much it.” The jersey change carries sentimental weight for Williams, as he starred in high school with number 1, emerging as a five-star recruit and one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2024 class. However, his college career has been marked by uneven performance. As a freshman in 2024, Williams made an immediate impact, recording 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns, including a standout 177-yard performance against then-No. 2 Georgia. That season established him as a breakout star in college football. Yet, his sophomore year in 2025 saw a decline in consistency. Despite finishing second on the team with 49 receptions and 689 yards, Williams struggled with a 16.9% drop rate, one of the highest among FBS receivers. The explosive plays that defined his freshman campaign became less frequent, raising questions about his ability to maintain his high-level production.#ryan_williams #tiffany_coleman #saraland_high #alabama #derrick_nix

Kalshi Offers $10 Bonus for New Users with Promo Code NYPMAX Kalshi, a prediction market platform, is offering new users a $10 bonus when they sign up using the promo code NYPMAX. The promotion allows users to trade $10 and receive an additional $10 on various events, including NCAA conference tournament markets. The NCAA Tournament is still weeks away, but fans are already anticipating the intense competition as conferences vie for automatic bids to the tournament. To claim the bonus, new users must enter the promo code NYPMAX during registration, verify their account information, and complete at least $10 in trades. The offer is available to users aged 18 or older with a legal U.S. residential address in states such as Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, and others listed in the terms. The promotion excludes Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, and other specified states. The NCAA conference tournament is a critical time for college basketball, with teams fighting for a chance to advance to the tournament. Traders on Kalshi have already begun analyzing the SEC tournament, with Florida as the favorite to win, according to the platform. Alabama, Arkansas, and Georgia are also strong contenders. Florida’s recent 10-game winning streak adds to its momentum for a potential championship run. Kalshi’s markets cover a wide range of outcomes, including which teams will secure tournament berths, the Final Four matchups, and the eventual champion. The platform is legal in multiple U.S. states and Washington D.C., providing users with access to real-time betting opportunities. The promo code NYPMAX highlights Kalshi’s efforts to attract new users while offering insights into college basketball’s most anticipated events.#alabama #florida #ncaa_tournament #kalshi #promo_code_nypmax