Alabama head coach Nate Oats has confirmed that a scholarship remains available for suspended guard Aden Holloway, contingent on the resolution of his ongoing marijuana-related legal case.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Holloway was arrested on felony drug charges and subsequently barred from campus just days before the NCAA Tournament tipped off. His arraignment was initially set for June 16, but Holloway has waived that court date. His attorney, Jason Neff, plans to file a formal plea of not guilty on his behalf, according to an AL.com report.
Speaking during a PGA Tour Champions event in Birmingham, Alabama, Oats stated: "There's a lot of stuff you've got to sort through on the legal side of things before we kind of get to that question. We've got to let that play out. There will be a scholarship still once all that clears, and hopefully he's able to get that positive outcome. But we've kind of got to let the process play through."
Holloway's Impact on the Court
The guard was second on the team in scoring last season, averaging 16.8 points per game, and led the Crimson Tide in three-point shooting with a 43.8% success rate. His arrest on March 16 followed the discovery of 2.1 pounds of marijuana in his apartment. He has since been indicted on four charges, including illegal possession of a prescription and possession or use of drug paraphernalia.
Other Uncertainties for Next Season
Holloway is not the only player whose status remains uncertain for the upcoming campaign. Rising sophomore Amari Allen has entered the 2026 NBA draft while preserving his college eligibility, and redshirt freshman Collins Onyejiaka has not yet been cleared to return after sitting out last season due to a heart condition.
Oats indicated that the program has contingency plans in place for all scenarios. "We've got scholarships open. If this happens, we've got to pivot this way. If this happens, we've got to pivot that way. We've definitely got a plan for if we have (Allen or Holloway), or both, or neither back. It does make it a little more difficult with the timing of it all, but we've got a plan each way," he said.
