The Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball program has reportedly secured a significant addition for its future, landing a commitment from transfer forward Cole Cloer. The former NC State signee is now set to begin his collegiate career in Tuscaloosa.
Cloer, a 6-foot-7, 190-pound wing, brings a coveted blend of size and athleticism to Nate Oats's system. He originally enrolled early at NC State this past January but never saw game action for the Wolfpack. Following the departure of head coach Will Wade to LSU, Cloer entered the transfer portal, ultimately choosing the Tide—a program that was among his top choices before his initial commitment to NC State.
A highly-touted prospect from the class of 2026, Cloer was ranked as the No. 85 overall player and the No. 34 small forward nationally by the 247Sports Composite. He honed his skills at the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, where he was ranked as the state's No. 16 overall player.
This move signals Alabama's proactive approach to roster building in the modern era of college basketball. With several key players moving on, the Tide are expected to remain active in the transfer portal to reload talent. Cloer's commitment provides a promising foundation for the 2026-27 season, adding a versatile and athletic piece to the Crimson Tide's long-term vision.
