Alabama Set to Face Second Former Crimson Tide Final Four Player vs. Arkansas

Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats remembers and previews Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle, who played at Alabama during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 5:55am

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Alabama head coach Nate Oats is set to face another former Crimson Tide player, as the team will take on Arkansas and forward Nick Pringle on Wednesday. Pringle played at Alabama during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, including the team's historic Final Four run in 2023-24. Oats praised Pringle's energy and positive attitude, and noted that he has continued to improve his game since transferring to Arkansas.

Why it matters

The transfer portal has become a major part of college basketball, and Alabama has faced several former players this season. This matchup against Arkansas and Pringle is another example of how the portal has impacted the sport, as teams must now frequently compete against their own former players.

The details

Pringle averaged 6.8 points and 5.1 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per game during his two seasons at Alabama. He then transferred to South Carolina, where he had career-best numbers in points per game (9.5) and rebounds (6.3) last season. This year at Arkansas, Pringle is shooting 71.2% from the field, though his minutes have decreased to 20.1 per game compared to 24.6 last season with the Gamecocks.

  • Alabama will face Arkansas and Nick Pringle on Wednesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Pringle played at Alabama during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

The players

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team.

Nick Pringle

A forward for the Arkansas Razorbacks who played at Alabama during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

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What they’re saying

“From what I can see in the games, it seems like he's got his energy back. When he was here, he was great teammate. All his teammates love him. It seems like he's got that positive energy going. He's back to playing, having fun, playing athletic.”

— Nate Oats, Head Coach, Alabama Crimson Tide

“I think he's having a good year for them. He's played well for them in some of their bigger games. He's gotten a little bit better at the stuff he's great at. You know, he's a pretty similar player, though, but just a little better at the stuff that he was good at I feel like.”

— Nate Oats, Head Coach, Alabama Crimson Tide

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.