Kalen DeBoer, offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, and the rest of Alabama’s coaching staff appear to have done an excellent job with yet another first-time visitor.
Andrew Babalola, the country’s No. 3 offensive tackle, spent the weekend in Tuscaloosa. From his time at Washington, the 6-foot-6, 280-pounder has relationships with DeBoer, general manager Courtney Morgan, and, most recently, Seattle Seahawks offensive line coach Scott Huff. DeBoer and Huff spoke with Babalola during the open contact period.
“Like a day after it was announced coach DeBoer was taking the job, Courtney Morgan immediately hit me up and told me I was a priority and they are coming to get me,” Babalola said to Bama247 at the time. “So them, with everything going on and them coming to see me, it means a lot.”
A few weeks later, a visit was scheduled for this weekend. Bama247 contacted Babalola to get his opinions on the Crimson Tide and his experience with Kapilovic.
Nate Oats says he’s ‘fully committed’ to Alabama despite Kentucky job opening
Nate Oats, Alabama’s men’s basketball coach, reiterated his commitment to the program in a statement sent Monday evening, less than 24 hours after allegations appeared that Kentucky coach John Calipari would leave for Arkansas.
“Bama Nation, I am fully committed to this team and this university,” Oats said on X. “We’ve already accomplished a lot here, and nothing excites me more than seeing The University of Alabama win its first national title in men’s basketball.
“Despite any speculations to the contrary, I am confident that I will continue that pursuit as your head coach. “Roll, Tide!”
Minutes after Oats’ statement, Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne released a separate statement encouraging fans to support the Tide’s NIL efforts to pay players through its collective, Yea Alabama.
“We’re committed to supporting Nate Oats as he continues to lead Alabama men’s basketball in its pursuit of a national championship and encourage our fans to be a part of that by supporting Yea Alabama,” Byrne wrote. “I know I’ve said this before but want to reiterate how important this is with the changing landscape in college athletics. Nate and I talk regularly about the priorities of the program and NIL is at the forefront, as is a day-to-day development space for our team, which we are taking steps to address as we speak.
“We appreciate your support through Yea Alabama and look forward to celebrating many championships in the years ahead. “Roll, Tide!”
Last month, Oats signed a contract extension that increased his buyout to $18 million until March 2026, which Byrne thought was the biggest in college basketball at the time. His new contract pays Oats $5 million for the upcoming season.
